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Tabula Digita's Educational Video Games Score High Marks With Florida Schools

Posted on: Monday, 7 April 2008, 15:00 CDT

Mathematics literacy is a serious problem in the United States according to a recent report published by the National Mathematics Advisory Panel. Many adults don't know how to compute the interest on a credit card bill, calculate miles per gallon on a road trip or estimate a 10 percent tip on a dinner tab. But it's not just adults. Current research suggests that these deficiencies with fractions, the foundational skill essential to success in algebra, are being experienced by a growing number of middle and high school students, too.

To address the need for a rich math curriculum that simultaneously develops conceptual understanding, computational fluency and problem-solving skills, dozens of schools in three key Florida counties -- Orange, Seminole and Volusia -- have adopted Tabula Digita's DimensionM™ immersive educational video games designed to teach, reinforce and help students master key algebraic concepts.

The DimensionM instructional software embeds pre-algebra and algebra lessons within cutting-edge, three-dimensional settings. The Florida middle school students will now learn multifaceted mathematical concepts by completing "missions" or lessons in a reality-based environment. From the start, they will challenge themselves in single-player format or they can challenge other students in a fast-paced, tournament-style set-up. The supplemental curriculum programs correlate to both National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and state standards and target key objectives covered on state tests.

"We believe the best way to prepare students for future success in high-level math is to pay particular attention to what concepts are being taught and, maybe even more importantly, to how we are teaching today's digitally-driven students," said Ntiedo Etuk, chief executive officer and co-founder of Tabula Digita, the educational gaming company that developed the DimensionM software. "To reach students' imagination and intellect, you have to capture their attention. Our interactive educational tools do that, and teach solid mathematical concepts, very successfully."

Melissa Young, district mathematics specialist for Orange County Public Schools had this to add, "When I first saw the DimensionM product I thought the graphics were incredible and the idea of making math practice a part of a video game format was brilliant. As I've been working with the math teachers and students in recent weeks, I've realized why it works -- because it gives kids a reason to want to learn math."

The flexible format allows schools within each district to use the DimensionM simulation games any way and anywhere they want: Computer labs, during regular classroom instruction, in extended learning environments, for intervention, for special events and even at home.

In addition to the high engagement level and collaboration capabilities, the simulation software supports the core recommendations of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel, which are echoed by many educators -- allowing a significant time on task to ensure procedural, conceptual and computational knowledge of key math concepts is acquired.

"We are witnessing a metamorphosis of sorts," said Young. "Within the first few weeks, we saw students seeking assistance from their teachers before the scheduled time for math, so they could beat their friends. And even though this is somewhat of an extrinsic motivator, it is driving math scores up. When our students are experiencing success on the game, it transfers to success in the classroom. I'm not sure what I'm saying is as impressive as what they are doing....across Orange County they are lining up to get into the media center BEFORE school to play the educational game!"

About DimensionM

The instructional Modules are highly interactive, Web-based lessons that provide and overview of the skills and learning objectives in the mission. Teachers can use these modules as a resource in small and large groups to introduce new concepts or support instruction. Students can use the modules independently to obtain assistance before or during the mission.

The DimensionM Single Player Missions support the application of learning objectives using the latest 3-D interactive game technology available. Students become immersed in following the story line and solving the challenges using math concepts introduced throughout the game. Students can work at their own pace and replay missions to achieve greater mastery.

The DimensionM Multiplayer missions reinforce and demonstrate student's mastery of objectives in a fast-paced game format. Students can play individually with other students in the class, building, district or around the world. Student can also form teams to collaborate and compete in timed, tournament-style experiences.

The DimensionM games are available for purchase in five versions: single user, class license lab pack, site license and district license. The Multiplayer version is also available as a standalone package under site and district licensing arrangements. The software is available on both Windows and Macintosh platforms. For more information, please visit www.DimensionM.com

About Tabula Digita

Tabula Digita is an educational video game company focused on delivering innovative and effective educational games to students and institutions. Through its fusion of education and technology-based immersive learning systems, Tabula Digita successfully offers standards-based, high impact educational tools that engage middle and high school students in learning and applying Pre-Algebra and Algebra I concepts. For more information, please call 1-888-9-Tabula or 1-888-982-2852, or visit www.DimensionM.com.

Source: Business Wire

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