Bytes for Brights: Six Arithmetic Programs

Abstract

If kids are going to spend hours playing video games, they should be learning something. Enter “zap-zap” math games. That's what I call them. They transfer the excitement of the video game arcade to the home or classroom computer. Do kids like them? Yep, you bet they do. Are they good? Yes, but they do not replace a teacher. A gifted child has as much right to a teacher as any other child. Five of the six arithmetic games (all for 48K Apple II, II+, IIe) reviewed here have some arcade quality. Space Math and Math Blaster are the more obvious examples. In writing Fractions, EduWare abandoned the game format for a more formal approach that is smoothly and logically well executed. As with shoes, children are likely to outgrow some of these games quickly. Stickybear numbers will have the shortest useful life, although, children will also quickly outgrow Fractions, the best educational program in this report. In part that is testimony to how well it is written. Those programs would be a better investment for a school than a home unless your friend down the street will buy them from you when you are finished with them. Space Math and Math Blaster have enough built-in flexibility to last a child several years. You can get your money's worth out of all six of these programs. Math Blaster, Space Math, Fractions, and Knowing Numbers are Best Buys. If you are looking for a program for arithmetic fact drills for your limited budget, Math Blaster is the best investment.