How the Balance of Gaming and Mathematics Elements Effects Student Learning in Digital Math Games

摘要

Digital math apps on touch-screen devices have become popular as effective tools to support mathematics learning.Many apps incorporate gaming elements such as points,stars,coins,or storylines to increase student interest and motivation.However,there is limited research regarding the balance of gaming and mathematics elements and how it affects student learning.The purpose of this paper was to understand how 51 fifth-graders' interactions with gaming and mathematics elements in three game-based mathematics iPad apps were associated with student learning.Findings highlight the importance of a balanced focus and connections between gaming and mathematics affordances to support student learning.