Thursday, March 31, 2011

Math Math: Instructions and information on the app

Math:Math is a game designed for anyone from 5 to 105 years old, a simple but powerful tool for either learning math as a child or keeping the mind stimulated long after high school or college.
Think of a calculator with a stopwatch built in, someone gives you a random number between 0 and 1000 and you try to add up numbers till you hit the target number they gave you. That is what Math:Math is in essence -a race using a calculator.
Math:Math is more fun and challenging than using a calculator and a stopwatch. The keypad of numbers you have for selecting are dynamically and randomly generated. It is sort of like being dealt random cards when playing poker, sometimes you are dealt "good" cards and sometimes not so useful ones. Same with the numbers given to you by the game engine -you may get to the target in 5 seconds one game, and the next game may be more challenging and take 10 minutes.
When the player reaches the target number, smiles appear on the keyboard and the words "you won!!". Simply press "NEW GAME" to start another game session.
[see graphic to the right] The math operations in the game are ADDITION, SUBTRACTION, MULTIPLICATION, DIVISION, SQUARE, CUBE, and SQUAREROOT. For a first grader (or younger) addition and subtraction may be the only modes used. The game starts in addition mode, so the mathematical neophyte need not ever press any operator buttons other than + or -.
Speaking of math and early learners, here is something Math:Math offers that is simple and powerful: a painless and effortless media in which to experiment with math. No one monitors the player's performance, they can push any buttons they want, and "mistakes" are not as high stakes or embarrassing as in front of class or on a test. Of course one can "experiment" with math with pen and paper, and that is a fine way to learn, but pressing buttons quickly on a smartphone is less labor and generates results quicker than on paper. The mental calculations per second will most likely be greater with Math:Math than with paper driven drills. And of course there is the advantage of portability and appeal of a electronic gaming experience that may keep a young person engaged far longer than shackled to a study desk with pen and paper. In short, Math:Math goes anywhere and provides more mental calculations per second than other alternatives.

  • Concept, design and coding:
    • Lance Miller
    • this.is.lance.miller@gmail.com
  • Location: Seattle WA USA
  • Development environment: Linux Ubuntu 10.10, Eclipse SDK 3.5.2
  • Other works by Lance Miller:

    ATHENA TECHNE
Lance Miller is also sole proprietor of Ikimasho Industries.