Digital Mathematics: Just How Widespread Are Math Apps?

Mathematics education in the digital age has brought about many changes, both for teachers and learners. In K-12 mathematics education, math apps have become increasingly used tools as 1:1 device initiatives continue to proliferate the number of digital devices in the classroom. While researchers have begun to uncover the impact of math apps on students’ learning and well-being, what has remained unknown is how widespread math apps are in K-12 mathematics education. Using the PRISMA to systematically collect and analyze publicly available user data on K-12 math apps, this study found estimates of 608 million users on math apps devoted entirely to math and 683 million users on learning apps with math and additional content. Moreover, results indicated that the math apps in this study have, on average, increased by an estimated 427.3% over the last decade, with learning apps that include math seeing an estimated 345.7% increase in use over the last ten years. This study illuminates important math app user-count metrics that often remain in the shadows and calls for greater consistency and transparency in educational technology companies’ user reports.