Can Math Actually Be Fun?

We live in a time that is extremely technology based. In this technology based society we find ourselves tethered to everyday most definitely has pros, but certainly has cons. We've become physically and socially disconnected from one another and while some people find comfort and from behind the screen, others feel detached from their friends, family, teachers, and coworkers. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, students of all ages have found it challenging to adapt to virtual learning and having to attend zoom class everyday. This is especially hard on our youngsters. Children thrive from social engagement and being in the classroom. Sitting and starting at your peers and teacher on a computer screen day after day just doesn't cut it grades could begin to suffer. 

My cousin is in 5th grade and I tutor him once a week for one hour. He introduced me to a game called Prodigy. When he told me he wanted to play a video game for the last 15 minutes of the session this past week, I was skeptical. Tyler said "Christina, I promise it's school related. It makes math fun." Math has never equaled fun in my book, like ever. Why not give it a shot though? It's video game based which kids love and if it will help with math skills, it's a win-win in my book. Tyler walked me through how to create an account since I'm "old and in college" (his words, not mine) and don't have access to a class code. Upon visiting the home page I could instantly tell that this was definitely an educational website. 

What's so cool about this 'game' is that everything can be customized. Students can design their little avatar to look just like them, pick a side kick animal that they'll train, and choose the world in which they battle- aka solve math problems, and they can change their grade each year they advance. 

As students advance and grade change their level in the game, questions become harder and more resources are provided while solving the equations. For example, I chose the highest grade option and it was 8th, I had a calculator provided to me when I was in a battle but Tyler is not provided with a calculator at the 5th grade level. All questions are submitted by 'casting a spell' and the feedback on whether or not the question was answered correctly is immediate. If the answer is correct you take 'energy' from your opponent, if the answer is incorrect 'energy' is sucked out of the player.

Overall, I was skeptical about the game but I truly believe that this is a wonderful resource for kiddos. The game is fun and most importantly educational. It gives the children the illusion that they're playing a video game but really the game is making them think and use knowledge in all sorts of ways. It's a great way to review for tests or get some extra practice in as it can be accessed from any computer at anytime. Parents can use it at home to help their children study and review too.  

Lastly, my absolute favorite thing about this game is that students can play together. This "old college girl" hasn't figured that part out yet but Tyler assures me that as classmates they can interact and play with one another in this virtual world. I think that is possibly the coolest aspect. It means that even behind our screens, socialization is still taking place all while learning. It's bringing a personal and friendship aspect back to learning when in all reality some students may not have even met all their classmates yet this year. 

My conclusion? Yes, math can be fun. 

Please visit Prodigy's website yourself to check it out!

Link: https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en/