Math Matrix is an app that costs $1.99 in the full version and is free in the lite version. The game works a lot like bejeweled where you have to match up different jewels to get a solution. On the top of the screen is a number you have to reach that number by finding a pair of numbers that can be added, subtracted, multiplied, or divided to reach that number. Each level is timed and a point value is attached to each number. At the end of each level there is a speed bonus that varies depending on how fast you completed the level.Pro's: This is an app that works well for all ages. It is great practice for the younger students while it can be a fun speed challenge for the older students.
Con's: The lite app is VERY limited in how long the game lasts. I think it only wasted for 4 levels and that only took me about 3 minutes to complete. Second it would be nice if you could decide which forms of math you would like to use based on the level of the student using the app. So just addition and subtraction for the younger students but add Multiplication and division for the older studnets.
Overall this would be a fun app to use for many different age groups and could be used as an icebreaker in the beginning of the year. You could also use it for some students for when they finish their normal assigned work to use as added practice. As they say practice doesn't make perfect it makes permanent.
I chose to review this app because I liked the game aspect of it. When you can play a game and learn it just makes it so much more fun and camoflouges the learning aspect. I played this game for a few rounds and actually found it quite challenging at times. As you mentioned it would be better if you could chose the type of operation however, I think you could also just tell the students whatbtype to use. I also really liked your idea of having them play once they completed their assignments. It keeps them working yet docent give them extra work. You could also use it as a review to get their brains working before class. Just have them play a few rounds to get them in the math mode.
ReplyDeleteI decided to review this app after readin your description and downloading it. At first glance it looks so appealing and like it would be a fun game to play. I thought it looked appealing and students would enjoy playing a game while still learning math facts.
ReplyDeleteHowever once I started to play the game myself, even after I had read the directions 2-3 times I was still confused and not sure how to get the correct answer. It took me a minute to figure out the game and I eventually was able to catch on but it still was quite challenging. I found that It was more of a searcing game to find the correct numbers that are next to one another.
I liked the game aspect of the app but did find it a little more challenging than I originally thought it would be but caught on. I would probably use this in an older grades classroom rather than younger and I think it would be more of an individual activity liked you mentioned rather than something with the entire class.