Derivita Power User Stories: Embracing Innovation
Recently, our Marketing Director, Arianna Irwin, had the opportunity to speak with Erica Howes, a current High School Math Teacher at Sky View High School in Cache County, Utah. As a first-year teacher and Derivita Power User, Erica has found the platform invaluable for helping students build confidence in math. Having started her teaching career with Derivita, she reflects on the benefits it brings to her students and her teaching practice.
Watch her full video interview on YouTube.
Instant Feedback for Student Success
One of the standout features Erica appreciates is the instant feedback students receive on their assignments. Unlike traditional paper assignments, where students might complete multiple problems incorrectly before realizing a mistake, Derivita allows them to catch errors in real time.
“I really like the instant feedback. I feel like that's really beneficial for students,” she shares. “They know when they’re wrong, and they’re more willing to take risks instead of giving up.”
Encouraging Independent Learning
Beyond just answering problems, students are learning to advocate for their own education.
“I have some really bright kids who, if I publish the assignment before class, will just hop on and start learning on their own,” Erica says. “That’s your biggest hope as a teacher—for students to take ownership of their learning.”
Adapting to Change
Erica acknowledges that adopting new technology can be a learning curve for students and teachers alike.
“At first, students thought it was harder because they couldn’t check answers with their neighbors,” she recalls. “But as they got used to it, they realized how much they appreciated knowing immediately whether they were on the right track.”
For educators hesitant to try something new, she offers this advice:
“If you've been teaching the same way for 20 years, that doesn’t mean you should still be doing it the same way. Be open to change—it might not be perfect your first time, but it’s worth it.”
With features like individualized problem sets and a growing content library, Derivita continues to provide teachers like Erica with tools to create engaging, effective math instruction.
As Erica puts it; “It’s a really good software that I feel is underutilized. Just give it a shot—you might be surprised by how much it helps.”
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