Figure 2

Figure 1

http://www.seriousgamegroup.com/muchMath/main.php

Success in mathematics requires students to learn basic mental skills and build a comprehensive math vocabulary. This is exactly what this site provides for both students and teachers.

Mucho Math is an online resource that incorporates teaching methods such as customized learning, discovery learning, spiralling and scaffolding to develop mental math skills and build math vocabulary.

The program’s development began in the year 2004 and was centred on the hundred’s table (See Figure 1). Students listen to audio clips supported by textual commands to navigate themselves around the hundreds chart. This program is very simple to use. In order to proceed to the next level, no more than three mistakes out of ten commands can be made. As students proceed into higher levels, the vocabulary and difficulty gradually increases.

In addition to the use of teaching methods, Mucho Math also incorporates positive reinforcement in a variety of ways. For example, on successful completion of each level students are awarded with an animated emotion (See Figure 2) and virtual coins which can be used in the Mucho Math Game Room. The game room aims at giving students a break from the hundreds chart while building student vocabulary. Mucho Math is motivational to students because the high scores are published, as well as, they receive a certificate of completion when the final level is completed.

http://www.rayslearning.com/numview.htm

Kids Table and Time – Great Kids Learning Game. Also commonly known as Ray’s Numbering Game. This is a fun to use educational software for kids between the ages of three and six which aids in teaching counting, addition, subtraction, division, time tables and much more in the format of a fun packed game. This aids in motivating children to play the game repeatedly. It is a great learning tool that can be played by visiting this website, downloading and running it on your computer. This program is compatible with Windows 95/98/2000/XP.

The Kids Table and Time includes options such as: spelling preference, skills choice, and game speed. Spelling preference involves a choice between US and UK spelling which illustrates that the programme caters for different areas since different types of spelling is supported in different areas. Skills choices include: Lower, Intermediate and Clock Module. Lower skills involve counting, simple addition and subtraction. Intermediate involves addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. The Clock Module involves the use of a speaking clock to teach users to tell time. Game speed includes: no timer, slow, medium and fast. It caters for users on both ends of the learning spectrum. The “no timer” feature caters for slow learners and playing against a clock promotes rapid thinking.

The game involves two players, i.e., the computer and the user and can begin and end as the user likes. This game also includes a simple calculator and up to 12X time table. This programme is very simple to use and will provide a solid foundation for all users as it makes the learning process a fun and effortless one.

http://funschool.kaboose.com/

This site does not aim at any specific age group but rather aims at providing educational games for all those from preschool to sixth grade. Parents, teachers and children can use this free online website. It is easy to use as each game has instructions. There games cover a vast variety of subject areas. For example, Wild Word West is an educational game on this site which aims at aiding children learn vocabulary. The player is given a word and multiple meanings. The player now has to choose the correct meaning to the first word given. The player is given two chances to get the correct answer. There are also Language, Maths, Art, History, Geography, Sports, Science, Colouring and Puzzle games available on this site. This site is a great basis for learning and can be used by anyone. It fosters learning in a fun yet educational way.

EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE

http://www.hiyah.net/index.html

This programme targets those children who are willing to use the computer but are unable to yet use the mouse. This educational software was designed for children from eighteen months to fours years of age. However, it can be used in later years with children who suffer with limited language skills. For example, children who suffer with autism or other learning disabilities. This programme is very simple and easy to use. It involves the simple use of the space bar on the keyboard. Young children can operate this programme by simply pressing the space bar. The programmes are based on topics such as: nusery rhymes, birthday themes, everyday activities and holidays. It breaks down each these in a step by step format which causes children to be engaged and learn actively. The software aids parents, teachers and their children by providing them with the best preparation. This site acts as a foundation for many children and poses itself an an easy way of learning which will motivate children to learn.

EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

My name is Sabrina C. Dookhan.