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Mathburg. (We somewhat need a better title). Goal: 3 rd Grade Multiplication. Basic multiplication tables up through 12 * 12. Use arrays of x’s to solve multiplication problems. Simple permutations introduced. Hints of commutability, division, and prime numbers. Details of Use.
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Mathburg (We somewhat need a better title)
Goal: 3rd Grade Multiplication • Basic multiplication tables up through 12 * 12. • Use arrays of x’s to solve multiplication problems. • Simple permutations introduced. • Hints of commutability, division, and prime numbers.
Details of Use • Game Structure (Objective based) • Audience: 3rd-4th grade girls • Usage: 30-45 min sessions • Operating System: Mac OS X
Each location offers a type of problem to solve. Multiplications with 1’s, 2’s, etc. Permutations. Commutability. Prime Numbers. The Beginnings of Algebra & Division Map Locations and Stations • Many locations available in town. • Sandbox • Stables • Mall • Zoo • Beach • Florist • Park • School
Map Locations and Stations • Each Location has a number of stations. • Eg. Mall has Blouse Shop and Earring Kiosk. • Student solves problems to complete station. • Each station gives a reward. • A Tile. • A Tool. • A Problem to use in the Sandbox. • Provides customization of experience.
Tool Paradigm • Device/Toolbox stays with user at each location • Different tools gained as the user plays • Start with “Freeform” grid and “Group” tool. • “Toolbox” on the side fills up as stations are completed • “Tools” allow user to manipulate the grid in new ways. Including... • Block manipulation tools • Tileset tools change appearance of blocks • Print tool
Tool Interface • Blocks are placed and manipulated on the grid, potentially with text feedback. • The “Help” button causes help bubbles to appear. • “F”, “R”, and “P” are different grid modes • Freeform • Restricted • Permutation • “X” will minimize the grid portion screen.
Some of the Tools • Group • Select a group and replicate it • Demonstrates multiplication as addition of groups • Rotate • (4x3 → 3x4) • Demonstrates commutative property • Resize • specifically reallocate blocks by dragging (think Windows resizing) • Enumeration Tool • numbers the blocks • Print Tool • print out their screen • Tile sets • changes appearance of blocks
Sandbox/Testing Locations • Sandbox • Can “fiddle” with grids and tools without questions • Can generate random question from any completed stations • Testing/School • A random selection of problems from any location • Available difficulty increases as stations are completed • No tools allowed
Motivation/Engagement • Rewards • New tiles • New tools • Printable “certificates” • Advancement • Opens new stations (increasing difficulty) • Changes appearance of world map
Maintaining User Info • Game State • Save/Load state information via XML in a local file • Tracking Information • Track session performance (can be shared with user) • Compare performance w/ tool vs. testing stations • Track preferences and tool usage (User testing phase only)
Comments, Questions... • Level of animation • Location/Station suggestions? • Title suggestions?