Yet another computer-based math system?
The OCRegister’s article Irvine man has kids loving math (the article has since disappeared, unfortunately) talks about the MIND Research Institute’s ST Math Games program.
The background to this one is interesting. The founder of the program, Matthew Peterson, did not do well in school himself due to a problem with dyslexia.
His Flash based ST Math Games is largely ‘language free’ and aims at tweaking…
… spatial-temporal reasoning, the same reasoning used to learn music, to teach math concepts.
The process encourages students to visualise mathematical concepts (like adding fractions, solving equations) before they ever try to solve math problems using language, numbers or symbols.
The games revolve around the cartoon character Jiji, a penguin whose life is made easier when the student gets the problem correct.
There are similarities between this program and the approach taken in Singapore to teach the solution of simultaneous equations using visualisation by blocks.
ST Math Games is an interesting approach that is worth investigating. Apart from anything else, it does not insist that students start abstracting before they have a concrete understanding of concepts and it is catering for those who struggle with mathematics because of language issues.
Have a play with some of the ST Mat Game demos (where it says “Play games”). The guided tour on that page is interesting as well.
Related posts:
- Computer games in schools An interesting study of 2,300 British students aged 11 to...
- Japanese-based math textbooks the answer? Japanese textbooks "don't immediately tell you how to solve [math...
- What and how to teach math? The debate continues. In Connecticut, Dept of Education math consultant...
- Lifelong computer skills What computer skills do we need to teach kids? Nielsen...
- Math in computer game development Behind every computer game lie many applications of mathematics....
3 Jun 2008 at 8:49 am Link to this comment
My daughter loves Jiji math. They instaled It at her school and she has been doing so much better in math. I give it two thumbs up!
3 Jun 2008 at 9:07 am Link to this comment
Hi Annette and thanks for your input.
Is your daughter a visual learner? That is, would she rather draw and look at pictures rather than read and write (verbal orientation)?
I’m glad to hear that the concrete approach they are using helps.
5 Nov 2008 at 7:13 am Link to this comment
Hi,
My Children use JiJi at school. Is this something I can purchase for home use? I would like to be able to enhance their learning by having the programs at home. If so, where is this available?
Thanks very much,
Colleen H.
5 Nov 2008 at 9:19 am Link to this comment
Hi Colleen and thanks for your feedback.
Their sales page lists some available items. There’s also a Contact Us link on that page.
4 Dec 2008 at 4:37 pm Link to this comment
Hi;
My son uses Jiji at school, and that is all he talks about, he loves it. I want to purchase it at home if that is possible. If my son is asking me for the program I’m impressed, because school never interested him a whole lot. Thank you so very much!! I am defenitly a Jiji fan!
Bernice H
4 Dec 2008 at 8:18 pm Link to this comment
Thanks, Bernice. Seems like Jiji is getting some good reactions from students – and that’s the most important endorsement.
14 Dec 2008 at 10:49 am Link to this comment
IM SECOND GRADER, MY QUESTION IS IF I CAN USE THE SAME PROGRAM HERE @ HOME
14 Dec 2008 at 11:11 am Link to this comment
Hi Albert
As mentioned earlier, their sales page lists some available items. There’s a “Request information” link on that page and also a “Contact Us” link on that page.
3 Mar 2009 at 12:05 pm Link to this comment
I went to the sales page . . . however, there is no information on whether I can purchase for home computer.
3 Mar 2009 at 2:11 pm Link to this comment
Hi Kathy
On the Contact page I found this email: jijistore@mindresearch.net
Hopefully they can help.
18 Dec 2009 at 7:30 am Link to this comment
i play jiji at my school synergy and it is so much fun i’ve passed like 70000000000 level already so just wanted to tell u peolple out there.
26 Dec 2009 at 3:10 pm Link to this comment
The ST Math program, featuring JiJi the penguin, is available only for use by schools. In the next release, due for the 2010/11 school year, students whose school uses the program will be able to access their student account, and teacher-assigned games from the program at home through an internet browser.
Andrew Coulson
President, Education Division
MIND Research Institute
26 Dec 2009 at 3:48 pm Link to this comment
Thanks for the information, Andrew.
5 Mar 2010 at 8:07 am Link to this comment
Hi i am in the 4 grade and i get on jiji a lot i pass all my leves i am bad at math to and now i am geting the hang of it i just want you to no bye.