Arithmetic Four
http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/ArithmeticFour/

Description
This applet provides students with a game that is very similar to “Connect Four” in which students are doing computations in order to get game pieces in which they can play on a virtual game board to get “four in a row”. This multiplayer game allows for students to compete against one another while practicing computational skills with both whole numbers and integers.

Evaluation
What mathematics is (potentially) being learned?
NCTM Standard(s) addressed?
-Numbers and Operations, 6-8: Students will be able to compute fluently using addition, subtraction, multiplication, division with both whole numbers and integers.

What is the nature of the mathematics?
This applet allows students to show their understanding of the basic operations by computing given problems. The program allows students to not only practice their computational skills, but to also compete against a friend in a competitive game manner. There is also a time limit placed on problems, so it is important that students begin to show the ability of being able to do computations in a reasonable time frame.

How does learning take place?
This applet is a technology designed for practice in the basic computations of integers and whole numbers. The type of operation and level of difficulty can be adjusted for each new game; however, both players must play at the same level/with the same type of operation. Users may add, subtract, multiply or divide with only whole numbers or with positive/negative integers. In general there is only enough time to use mental math when computing, so users are practicing their mental strategies for computing.

What role does technology play?
This technology affords students the opportunity to collaborate with their peers and represent their knowledge on adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing integers through an interactive version of the game "Connect Four". Students take turns solving given problems in order to receive game pieces that will allow them to attempt to get "four in a row" in order to win the game. The applet also allows teachers the opportunity to discuss integer operations with students, while also providing access to various integer computation worksheets and activities. This technology automates and simplifies the process of playing a flashcard-type math game. It provides the math problems, and can be customized to the desired level/need of the players.

How does it fit within existing school curriculum?
This technology would fit wonderfully into a secondary or high school math curriculum. At the secondary level students are beginning to work with integers, with a focus on being able to compute fluently with negative numbers. As stated in the NCTM’s standard for Numbers and Operations Grades 6-8, students, “should also develop and adapt procedures for mental calculation and computational estimation with fractions, decimals, and integers.” This applet is a practice tool for doing quick, mental math computations with integers.

How does the technology fit or interact with the social context of learning?
This is a multiplayer game that involves two students, thus communication and collaboration is a key element of this technology. Being able to discuss methods and solutions when doing whole number and integer computations, even in a competitive game setting, is beneficial to the students in becoming fluent in their computational skills. It also makes the technology more engaging, as it provides interaction not only with the applet, but with a fellow peer as well.

How are important differences among learners taken into account?
The technology is separated into categories, which allows players the opportunity to work on computations with whole numbers, or with integers. Students can choose the level they feel most comfortable with, or the level in which they need the most practice. Varying game levels means increased levels of participation from classrooms with differing levels of ability. Since the technology itself determines correct or incorrect answers, as well as if an answer was given in time, this removes the need for a 3rd party referee or the need for one of the players to know the correct answer.

What do teachers and learners need to know?
Students need to have a basic understanding of integer operation rules. Without the previous knowledge of such rules it would be difficult for any student have success while playing the game or for the technology to have any real meaning to the student. Teachers must make students aware of the differences between doing computations with whole numbers and computations with integers.