Mastery of Mathematics in a Land of Adventure
Price: $49.95, Current sale price - $37
Company: Sharper Edge Pty Ltd
To Purchase: Instant download, 30-Day money back guarantee
Age Range: Anyone needing to master times tables
Brief Intro: (From the website)
While the rider is playing, the game learns what the rider knows and what he or she still needs to practice. Every single response (or non-response) is stored in an internal database and statistically analysed by the software. In this way the program is able to custom-tailor to each rider, which questions are asked next. No repetitive drilling of random number facts the rider already knows – but real practice of what actually needs to be practiced!
Plenty of feedback is given on the rider’s mastery of each number fact and operation, including an innovative overview map of mastery for each number table. This is highly beneficial for both the rider and the parent/educator. You can see with one glance where your child is at and where he or she might need further assistance. Top challenges are also listed in a separate list box for further easy reference.
Clicking on a question brings up more information on it, including a visual representation as well as some detailed statistics.
In-Depth Look:
I am hopeful every time we get a math game to review. Hopeful that we will find one that my girls will enjoy and learn from. We have had some they enjoy and some they learn from. But rarely does a math game do both. Sadly for us.
Math Rider is our newest math game up for review. The concept is simple. Answer enough math questions quick enough and well enough to complete the quests.
Picture medieval times. You are riding on your gallant horse, rushing to complete your quests. The first is to find the mystical flower Pythagoras, the only thing that can cure your mother. The second is to find the elven gem that keeps darkness away. The third is to find help in rescuing the kidnapped princess. And the final, the shortest of the quests, is to actually rescue the princess.
The quests are based on the difficulty level. First pick the quest type.
Addition / Subtraction / Multiplication / Division
Then pick the difficulty level.
Easy (0 - 5) / Medium (0 - 10) / Advanced (0 - 12) / Master
The game is "smart" in that it caters the questions depending on your skill level. For example, if you say that 4 + 11 = 17, you can know for certain that you are going to see that question again A LOT . . . until the game feels you have mastered it. It also bases the speed of questions on your speed. The faster you answer the questions, the faster the next one will pop up. If you don't answer a question or answer it incorrectly, the screen will show the answer. But again, you can be certain that question will keep coming back up until the game feels you have mastered it. Once you achieve 99% mastery, you can choose the Master Level and rescue the princess.
After you complete each round, you will see a map showing you how far you have progressed in your quest. Then it will show you your mastery level. Again it has to be 99% to rescue the princess.
My 12 year old played the game. She played without much complaint. But only as long as I made her. She did try to figure the correct answer before the computer gave it to her.
My 9 year old played the game. She liked the concept of rescuing the princess. She would ask to play longer, watching the progress on the map after each round. She wanted to play more, hoping to get closer to saving the princess. She quickly figured out the game play, and tried to beat the clock as well. After she finished the first 3 levels, we thought she would save the princess. This is when we discovered that you have to have 99% mastery before you can do that. This was a disappointment to her. Because she thought she had won the game, just to learn that she has to replay the levels that need improvement.
Of course, this makes sense. The whole point is mastery. But it was a discouragement to her.
I do think the game works, it can accomplish what it claims to. Your child will gain speed and accuracy. The rounds are short enough for short attention spans. And the progress is clearly shown on the map. So they have a rough idea how much longer they have for each quest. But it depends on your child's learning style, as to whether or not your child will enjoy the game. My 9 year old enjoyed it more than my 12 year old. Remember, there is a 30-day guarantee.
To read more reviews, click here (once available)
Disclaimer: I received the Math Rider game free of charge, as part of the TOS Homeschool Crew. The above is just my opinion. Please remember that opinions may, and do, vary.
