A system and method for assisted-learning with a portable computing device that includes requesting that a user complete a mathematical challenge by arranging real-world objects in an environment to form an arrangement according to the mathematical challenge, optionally receiving an input from the user that the arrangement is complete, activating a camera of a portable computing device located in the environment with the user to capture an image of the arrangement, wherein the image is received from the portable computing device over a network, evaluating the arrangement using a visual recognition engine to determine whether the arrangement successfully completes the mathematical challenge, and providing at least one of a visual feedback and an audible feedback to the user.