Gaming Based Maths Skills

I watched my 12 year old spend 35 minutes working out how to advance to the next level on a character based game on a console the other day. I was amazed at how determined she was to discover how the game worked and what she had to do to complete the level. As a teacher I sat wondering how we could harness this type of motivation in the classroom.

Many developers have tried to do just this in the past but most kids see right through the adults hiding school work in a game format.

This is changing with some innovative iOS developers using game based scenario' and environments and thoughtfully embedding tasks that challenge the player from an educational perspective.

Math Mage is the type of app that will get kids into learning without them even realising it. I really do believe that gaming and education can be a perfect partnership. The developers just need to know how to cloak the educational content in enough fun so the students do not realise that they are simply "doing school work". This app seems to be the perfect combination of these two things.

This is the best fun I have had doing mental arithmetic in a very long time. This is the app to get middle school student into maths in a big way. RGH Games should really be congratulated on this app - it is pitched at just the right level. The balance between gaming and learning is one that is extremely hard to find but these guys have done a fantastic job!

I have now levelled up and have spent more time on this app than I care to reveal.

Math Mage: $1.99 AU
The Math Mage is an adventure that transports you back to the Middle Ages, where a Magic Spell has unleashed monsters in your village. Only YOU can defeat all the monsters thanks to your math skills! Explore 6 amazing levels including a bushy forest, dark mines, the town of Wearie and more before facing the ultimate monster!

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-math-mage/id480765493?mt=8



Operation Math: $4.49 AU
Dr. Odd is on a global quest to eliminate the world’s even numbers. And it’s your job to stop him, by seeking out his secret bases. Designed for children ages 5 to 12, the faster they work the further they’ll go in a game designed to take your novice mathematician from the pyramids of Egypt to a seat at the head of the class.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/operation-math/id7270?mt=uo%3D4

Math with Springbird: FREE
SpringBird’s friends have been captured! Help SpringBird find the key to open the cage where his friends are captured by making your way up branches of math questions. Have fun and learn at the same time. Practice various aspects of math including addition, subtraction, number sets, shapes and coin counting.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/math-with-springbird/id496301680?mt=8

Squeebles: $0.99 AU
Help Whizz rescue the other Squeebles from the nasty Maths Monster by answering times tables questions across 4 game modes. The more times tables questions your child answers correctly, the more stars they win and the more of Whizz's friends they rescue from the Maths Monster. There are 24 Squeebles to rescue, each with their own personality.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/squeebles-for/id393584953?mt=8

Math Monsters: FREE
Math Monsters Bingo is a new, fun way to master math on your iPad. The game lets you practice math anytime and anywhere using a fun Bingo styled game play. Math Monsters has several unique features like individual player profiles, high scores and ranks along with an interesting "Reward Jump" game.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/math-monsters/id452985193?mt=8