TimezAttack is a video game which can be purchased to access full-features or downloaded for free to access limited features. For the purposes of this blog I will be detailing features on the free download version of the game. The game allows the user to choose either a male or female character which then goes through a castle/dungeon setting solving multiplication problems. Various levels of difficulty can be chosen so the game grows with the student/player. Repetition is a key aspect in the game. The character will confront a wall with a multiplication problem etched into it such as:
4
X 2
?
After interacting with the wall with this particular problem two snails will pop out of the wall with the number four located on their shells. The game character will then round up the snails which burst and say “Four” when the first snail is gathered and “Eight” when the second snail is gathered. Thus the game counts in groups of four two times to verbally address what 4x2 equals. The character then throws the snails at the wall with the original problem and again the game counts in groups of four. After all the snails have been gathered and thrown at the wall, the wall opens and a troll is unleashed behind a hidden door. The student battles the troll by completing timed multiplication problems which he/she has already interacted with prior in the game (the prior three walls), therefore, repetition is once again incorporated. After about three or four problems the troll is defeated and the character moves on to another wall. After a certain amount of walls are completed then a boss ogre battle commences in which the student recalls all of the walls he/she has completed so far throughout the game.
As an adult playing this game the repetition becomes a bit boring. However, I have witnessed several students interacting with the game and they cannot seem to get enough of it. I have noticed significant improvements in multiplication recall ability in a student which I tutor once a week after suggesting to her grandmother that they download the free version of the game. The full purchased game offers the same instructional features, as far as I can tell, but includes different “worlds” so the background and location differ.
Students learning the concept of multiplication and students needing additional practice to retain multiplication fluency would benefit greatly from this tool. The game offers pre and post tests to monitor student progression which is a great teacher tool and also shows the student how well they are improving.
I feel very strongly about the usefulness of this program. As mentioned before, I have seen firsthand how it helps improve multiplication fluency and does so in a fun and interactive manner.
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