Emma Wall: Extra Credit Blog

Math Blaster Computer Game

Math Blaster is a computer game based in outer space that aims to teach young elementary level students a range of math basics such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Its goal is to build the child’s confidence, speed and accuracy in basic math concepts. The game is futuristic and fast paced that provides the students with goals to achieve math success by have a final destination within the game. Math Blaster is primarily used for younger student, however, there are different levels of Math Blaster that extend all the way up to Pre Algebra. The students are meant to refine math skills through a combination of lessons and arcade-style game play.

Skills Students Need:

·      Be able to type on a keyboard

·      Be able to use the mouse to click on desired buttons

·      Read and interpret printed text

·      Read and interpret mathematical symbols

Math Blaster encourages fun learning of mathematics by setting the game in a certain place and theming the mathematical games around that theme. This is a great way to get students excited about math while the concepts are hard; it is more like a fun game than a chore. The game provides a bridge between students and teachers and not only gives lessons on material but also practice to sharpen student’s skills. Developmentally, the age for this toy will be elementary or secondary setting when students are beginning to get acquainted with higher-level math concepts.  The game can be used without adult supervision if the children have the ability to work the computer on their own. Because the application is a CD disc, the risk of the child rummaging through the Internet is decreased therefore it is developmentally appropriate.

I would recommend this game to students who understand the math concepts but want to sharpen their skills and work at faster paces. I wouldn’t use it as a tool to learn math, as much as practice math therefore I would not use it in a classroom setting per se. 

Adaptedmind.com

Adaptedmind.com is a site that requires a membership, which has resources to both learn and practice math skills for kids up till 8^th grade. The mathematical topics range from counting and addition to algebra, equations and geometry. The site is complete with videos explaining and demonstrating math products that they have compiled from across the Internet. The site also has worksheets on subjects to practice and learn the math concepts included on the site. The worksheets are complete with a “check button” that explains a wrong answer as well. This site is equipped for students and many different level ranging from the early childhood setting, to the elementary setting, and even the secondary setting.

Skills students need are to:

·      Be able to use the internet to get to the site

·      Know their login information to access the curriculum

·      Reading and interpreting printed text and mathematical symbols

·      Use the keyboard to type in answers

·      Use the mouse

Developmentally, the site is accessible except for the younger students who will need assistance logging into and finding the website. Some young students, such as the kindergarteners, might need to do the site with adult supervision, which is unfortunate.

This site is more used to practice skills and brush up on certain topics than to fully learn concepts. It is more about clearing up unclear aspects of a topic than fully teaching the subject. I would recommend this to students who are looking to practice or who generally understand a topic but just need to clearing up or practice. 

Mathly Hollows Application for IPod/IPad/IPhone

Mathly Hollows is an application meant for Apple devices that with help elementary level student with math subjects that are based on the Common Core State Standards. The game is labeled as a game suitable for users 4 and up that utilizes interactive memorization techniques and is meant to improve fast mental math skills in a motivating way. The application allows you to choose the kind of math operation to work on, including addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication or mixed. The goal is to win the game and collect cute monsters and powerful helper friends and eventually be ranked by the Apprentice to Master Wizard. The game also includes a parent page complete with progress reports.

Skills students need are to:

·      Own an apple product to download the application

·      Be able to use the apple product in terms of using the touch screen to press the right answers

·      Read and interpret printed text

·      Read and interpret mathematical symbols

Developmentally the game is appropriate for the age group its aimed at because this age is usually the time students start picking up video games and understand complex goals so they would be motivated o play the game and continue to improve their math skills.

The game is purely used to sharpen a student’s skills and have an incentive to do so rather than teaching the student how to do the problems. The game could be used in a classroom setting as a group effort or on a student’s free time to become better at doing math. I would recommend using this application to track a student’s progress with basic math skills.

 

 

www.brightstorm.com/math/

Brightstorm.com is a website that includes many different subjects such as math, science, English and test prep help. You must have a membership to use the resources on the site but the math section of the site is equipped with over 2,000 videos that review concept, sample problems and shortcuts. Some of the topics covered are algebra, algebra 2, geometry, trigonometry, pre calculus, and calculus, therefore, the mathematical setting of the website would be a secondary setting for students in high school or even students in college. Once you choose a broad topic to cover (such as calculus) there are specific units of calculus with various videos that address the intricacies of the topic. For calculus, you have the derivative, the applications of the derivative, limits and continuity and so on.

Skills students need are to:

·      Be able to use the computer and watch videos on your computer

·      Read and interpret printed text

·      Have access to a computer

·      Read and interpret the relevant mathematical symbols

This resource is developmentally appropriate for its target audience because students at this level have experience with computers, and should have a basic understanding of what they need help with and to better understand. I think the interface is especially user friendly and the material is extensive. I wouldn’t change anything except for the fact that it costs money, which would limit the accessibility for some students.

I would recommend use of this site to anyone who is having trouble with a specific area of math and they need help better understanding it as well as clearing up something as well as aiding in general understanding of a topic.