At the start of the new school year, the Center for Open Digital Education (CODE) at the Johannes Kepler University Linz has launched a groundbreaking educational initiative: "FLINK in Math".

"FLINK in Math" is an innovative program providing educators, students, and parents with free, certified digital math materials that coordinate with the currently new curriculum, “Lehrplan NEU”.

“Lehrplan NEU” is being gradually introduced this year as part of a step-by-step process that also includes more instruction on the use of technology during math class. As part of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science & Research's (BMBWF) technology initiative, students in grades 5+ will be provided with digital devices. In this context, questions arose as to how this technology can be used in more a beneficial way. The answer is the "FLINK in Math" program.
 

Engaging Students in Math
Program initiator Christina Krenn, a university assistant at the JKU Linz School of Education, explains: "I've always been into math and I’ve always enjoyed teaching math to others." Since the summer of 2021, a highly dedicated team of twelve student teachers has been working under her leadership to create digital math materials. The development process ran the gamut starting with the initial idea to implementation by using GeoGebra to publishing a "FLINK book" (available at: http://www.jku.at/flink, opens an external URL in a new window). This extensive effort spanned several months and included in-depth discussions with JKU experts as well as experts at the University of Education Upper Austria, and experienced educators at various secondary schools.

The outcome has resulted in high-quality, innovative digital activities that meet the new curriculum requirements in mathematics. There is a wide range of materials for 5th & 6th grade and more materials will be released on an ongoing basis.

The FLINK books are not only versatile, they can be used in both in the classroom and at home to support independent learning and practice. Christina Krenn adds: "I also hope the illustrations and child-friendly characters make learning more fun." Educators can easily provide their students with FLINK materials and track their progress. Students and parents can also access FLINK books on various curriculum topics directly on the website: www.jku.at/flink, opens an external URL in a new window.

FLINK Presented with its First Award
The program has already been presented with the international Comenius EduMedia Seal in recognition of outstanding educational media in terms of pedagogy, content and design. FLINK in Math is open to educators, students and parents. There is an extensive FAQs section on the JKU website to provide answers to general questions. Additional inquiries can be directed to: flink(at)jku.at at any time.