Arithmetic Bird: a game for training mathematical operations

Abstract

We present a game for training main mathematical operations for elementary school students, mainly for the third and fourth-grade. The learning mechanisms used in the game were included in the game mechanics. The target audience evaluated the game and the results were positive, both in the gameplay and in the learning. Three groups were used to evaluate the learning: one control group that did not play the game, another group that played it in the school and the third group that played at home. The last two groups were used to compare the use of the game in scholar and in the home contexts. The first group was used to compare to the groups that played the game. The results showed that the use of the game has a positive effect on the improvement of the mental calculus rapidness of the players. The statistical analysis of the data showed a significant reduction of the time from pre-to post-test and Cohen's d value was used to evaluate the magnitude of the effect for each group analysed. Besides, we also observed that playing the game at school or at home has similar results. Therefore, the game can be an effective educational tool for students and teachers.

Practical Methodology for the Design of Educational Serious Games

“…First, one can use mechanics as a way to support learning content. For example, Aparício and Silva [39] created a game to train the main math operations inspired by the Flappy Bird game, where the player has to keep the bird flying but at the same time they can catch items like coins, numbers, or operators. The numbers and operators are used to perform mathematical operations and advance in the game, and the coins are used as a way to motivate the player because they can be used to buy items to personalize the bird/character.…”