This
program presents the multiplication facts randomly (the random
selection is set with the computer clock, so the order will
be different each time the program is run).
This
is where the student practices recall of the facts as he or
she will use them in solving math problems.
A hint
can be requested (as in Multiplication Tables).
At this
level of learning, the student should be able to type an answer
into a text box.
I got tired of seeing programs in the classroom that simply
stated, "Try again," or something like that.
Appropriate teaching messages are given to help guide the
student to the correct answer, based on what type of error
the student might make. Again, I used my experience in the
classroom to program these messages.
As with
Multiplication Tables, when choosing the correct answer, the
student is rewarded in several ways. These are very similar
to those seen in Multiplication Tables.
First,
the correct number (in Word Art) appears on the screen.
Then an appropriate movie is shown.
If the fact is a perfect square (such as 2 x 2, or 3 x 3,
...) the movie is unique, with some extra artistic embellishment.
This supports later learning of squares and square roots.
If
the answer was chosen correctly the first try, a message indicates
that.
If the student has made several guesses before discovering
the correct answer, persistence is rewarded.
When
the student quits the program, a score is given, based on accuracy
and speed (accuracy being the most important).
If the student desires to continue using the program to raise
the score, that option is given.
The same
color schemes are used throughout all 4 programs in this multiplication/division
series, as well as my series on fractions.
