Written by: Rakel Ottesen
In close collaboration with a number of Norwegian primary schools, Eduplaytion AS is now developing "Numetry". Through mini-games, the level of knowledge of students around the world is to be analyzed and the progression of learning adapted to the individual.
Poke the walking table, write all the links in the solution, x's, y's and crocodile mouths. To some, this aroused a lifelong interest in numbers and calculus, but for a large proportion of school children, math remains somewhat incomprehensible, which should primarily be pegged, so that it can be ramped up on a test.
Figures for trouble
In recent years, mathematics teaching at Norwegian schools has become increasingly digital. Teachers and students are almost drowned out by providers of digital aids that all claim to help kids crack the code. Nevertheless, in recent years national tests show that the proportion of students who strive for the subject is still at an alarmingly high level.
The fact that students strive for mathematics is by no means a particularly Norwegian problem. In the United States, annual national mapping tests are also conducted in the field. In 2017, the report showed that approx. 20% of the country's 4th grades had major challenges in mathematics, while the level was as high as 25% for the 8th grades.
Together we are dynamite
In close collaboration with a number of Norwegian elementary schools, Eduplaytion AS is now developing "Numetry" - a modern mathematics game for the intermediate stage, which will seriously arouse students' interest in the subject. The goal is to capture the attention of the students by telling an engaging story with interactive characters in the lead roles. The players should not think that they are learning - just that they are having fun! Afterwards, the learning effect will be measured and communicated to the pupil, teachers and parents. Numetry will be made available to both the consumer and school markets.
In Numetry, math is linked to related situations through fun mini-games. Photo: Eduplaytion AS.
"I like to play myself, and have learned a lot from games that I would not have discovered at school."
- Sixth grader from Knappskog elementary school
Forward-looking schools
To succeed with the development of Numetry, we are completely dependent on our partner schools. Knappskog school at Sotra outside Bergen is one of these, and last week we went out to let students and teachers in the 6th grade try the game.
“Ordinary math lessons can often be a little dry and difficult to understand. I enjoy playing myself, and have learned a lot from games that I would not have discovered at school. I think the game works well, and think it can make learning more entertaining, fun and interesting” says one of the sixth graders we meet.
Important to keep up with the times
Math teacher Ingvild Vikingsen Skogestad follows along as her students eagerly test out Numetry.
"Knappskog School wanted to collaborate with Eduplaytion and take part in the development of this math game because we believe technology should be a natural part of the learning process," says Skogestad.
In Numetry, math is linked to related situations through fun mini-games. Photo: Eduplaytion AS.
“We are a fully digital school, and have a perception that digital learning adds something extra. Learning through games is a new dimension that allows the student to take an active part in teaching.”
Only the beginning
According to the Media Authority, close to 8 out of 10 children and young people now play video games regularly. The Horizon Report of 2017 presented digital trends in the Nordic school and emphasized that games and gamification are one of the things that will characterize the school life of the students in the near future.
The development of the math game Numetry is now well underway. Follow our and the students' journey on social media to keep up to date.
