This web site is designed to help parents and teachers explore strengths and weaknesses of the many educational CD-ROMS available today. It offers summaries and in-depth reviews of software for children in the elementary and middle grades, with a focus on mathematical games. Much of our research has involved observing children playing computer games in pairs or small groups. As they played, we listened to their conversations in order to develop a better understanding of their thinking, learning, and interest in the game. Below, we review each of these criteria, and offer some questions to consider when choosing software.
Computers have the capacity to provide a broad range of rich mathematical experiences.
With computers, for instance, children can use and develop their skills in geometry, data, algebra, and computation as they solve engaging puzzles and problems, play adventure games, and create on-screen machines, designs, puzzles, and even cities. Computers can also offer children opportunities to work at an appropriate level of challenge, and to advance to more difficult levels as their skills grow. Despite the potential of computers to engage children in significant mathematics learning, many children's mathematical computer games focus only on drill of number facts and practice with computation. It is important to engage children in using computers by offering them experiences that are both enjoyable and educational, rather than by playing to inaccurate and potentially harmful stereotypes. Many computer games have been created for a stereotypically male audience.