Math isn’t easy for everyone, but for Josh Martin, it’s second nature.
“I loved math so much, I was teaching kids in my own grade math. It was always just something I loved doing,” said Martin.
The UAlbany senior is tutoring those who may struggle figuring out math problems. He majors in physics and math. But, he isn’t just teaching local students. He reaches kids all over the country, right from his bedroom.
Going by name "Ludus" on TikTok, his videos are viral on the app known for teen challenges and dancing. He says it’s also a strong educational platform, with many creators focusing on teaching.
He has more than 370,000 followers and millions of views on videos on topics ranging from calculus, algebra, and SAT tips. All of his videos filmed in a small set up in his bedroom, including a corner filled with whiteboards, cameras, and computers.
After hours of editing, his videos are summed up in 60 seconds. He says the quick explanations resonate with teens.
“Kids have a hard time sitting down for 40 minutes; I can get them in a 30-second to a minute-long lesson, and the completion rate is much higher. I think the entertainment rate is also higher in a way,” said Martin.
His videos have been especially useful as students are learning virtually during the pandemic. He says it can keep kids on track with learning, when thrown into an unprecedented time.
“These kids are growing up with this technology and they’re able to learn from it, a lot of them have been learning from it already. And Tik Tok is one of the best platforms out there for this education,” said the creator.
Martin says people have reached out to him from all over the country, including a student who credits his videos for helping them achieve their associate’s degrees.
He says now, teachers are also utilizing his videos. He says it’s a good warm up or introduction to the content teachers will be explaining.
“I’ve had a lot of teachers tell me they use this as a tool. They link it out to their students and they say watch this before you get into our lesson. It’s really good exposure to that material,” said the 21-year-old.
But, the future of his followers are in jeopardy. President Trump has signed an executive order to ban the app, due to safety concerns over its ties with China.
“All this opportunity is going to go down the drain, and that’s scary for a lot of people that have built their businesses around TikTok,” said Martin.
Martin says, should that happen, he’ll focus on content for his YouTube channel. There, he has more in-depth videos, including videos that complete more than 50 SAT prep questions. No matter what, he plans to continue teaching from his bedroom, until he can move into a classroom.
“I’ve been going for about five or six years now, teaching is just a huge passion of mine. It’s something I want to do for the rest of my life now,” said Martin.