Math Fact Challenger

A simplistic number based app, designed to secure competency in the four operations and suitable for a range of audiences, from complete beginners to those more confident calculating with numbers.
 
Upon opening the app, students are presented with the homepage which offers three main options: “instructions”, “about” and “OK”.  Selecting “OK”, takes users to the main area, where they can select their desired type of question and level.  They must first select one of the four operations: addition; subtraction; multiplication and division.  Next users must choose their preferred level from: 0 to 5; 6 to 10; 11 to 20; 21 to 50 and 50 to 100.  Although selecting numbers between 1 and 100 is effective for addition and subtraction, it is not appropriate for multiplication and division questions - children do not need to be able to calculate 47x32 mentally.  Instead, the developers might consider rearranging these selections to make them more appropriate, for example, focusing on the 1-12 times tables, then perhaps, multiples of 10s and 25s.  In the meantime, users might be advised to only select times tables up to 10 when practicing multiplication and divisions questions.  The penultimate part of this section allows to users to specify the duration for each game, between 1 and 15 minutes. And finally, users have the option to play a desired level or allow the app to automatically level-up users as they demonstrate they have mastered each skill.  Once the game settings are applied, the challenge begins and students are presented with a series of questions.  A correct answer is indicated by fireworks on the screen and users are taken straight to the next question, while an incorrect answer does nothing.  The user then has the option to either delete and re-enter a correct response, or click the ‘skip’ button.  This concept - ensuring a correct answer - is important as it prevents children from learning incorrect answers and developing misconceptions.  At the end of the game, statistics are displayed reporting on their progress.  Children might be able to identify their weaknesses, however, the app offers the option to save this page by automatically taking a picture of the data, this allows adults to help and intervene where necessary to encourage children’s learning.
 
Returning to the main area, the "about us" page outlines the app's history: created by parents, with the goal of making mathematical practice easier, more effective and longer in duration.  The "instructions" page, explains how to set up the app, although this is not necessary as the app is self-explanatory.  Within the game play, there is also the option to switch between left/right handed.  This feature allows the user to switch the display, making the button positions more suitable for left-handers or right-handers.  Finally, there is there is also the option to mute the music and click on the "info" link which takes users to the website for the app.  The developers have clearly thought about this app, with simple but useful features throughout, for example, when a correct answer is entered, the app moves to the next question without the need to click enter or next.  Similarly, there is a mute button is on every page.  These small details add to the app’s usability.
 
Overall, ideal for practicing basic number skills. Mainly useful for addition and subtraction skills, but used properly, multiplication and division skills too.

You can download Math Fact Challenger on your iOS devices from the Apple App Store.