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Software lets children learn as they play on laptops in class
Mark Prigg, Science and Technology Editor8 Dec 2009
Pupils sit hunched intently over laptops, the only sound the whirr of a hard drive: this is the class where the teacher plays second fiddle to a machine.
The scene is a school in Southall, where a computer game that teaches maths is being used in a trial scheme. It is claimed that the programme could eventually replace teachers for some classes.
Called Manga High, the software is designed to look like a normal game, and features colourful graphics, sound effects and music. Pupils must solve a series of mathematical puzzles.
Featherstone High has spent two weeks testing the software in 90-minute lessons, with more than 120 taking part.
Neil Bradford, head of maths, said results appeared impressive so far.
He said: "We have used other maths software but the response to Manga High was amazing - we had one pupil who played the game at home for nine and a half hours over the course of a week.
"When the pupils are using it you can hear a pin drop in the classroom as they are all concentrating so hard.
"In the classes we've trialled the software, the teachers haven't had to do anything, children just become completely engrossed in the game.
"The teachers were very impressed, as while the games are fun, they really do help teach the curriculum."
They have been developed by Toby Rowland, son of tycoon Tiny Rowland, and mathematician Professor Marcus du Sautoy, who Mr Rowland met when they were studying at Oxford.
Although maths software is common in schools, Mr Rowland said Manga High was the first to mimic a "normal" computer game, and was inspired by watching how adults play games online.
"I used to run a gaming site called king.com - in 2008 three billion games were played on it," said Mr Rowland.
"I noticed how obsessed people became with perfecting their game when they were playing solitaire, and I knew that could be applied to education. We want children to forget they are learning, and just play a game."
The software will cost schools about £7 per pupil. There are several games, including one where children solve quadratic equations to launch rockets.
Others include Pyramid Planet, which uses geometry puzzles to guide a mummy along a path, and Transtar, in which pupils must guide a spaceship.
A format is being developed to allow pupils to play against classmates, or club together and take on other schools. "Introducing competition will make the games even more attractive, especially if you compete against other schools," Mr Rowland said.
"The trial has gone so well we are rolling out the software to eight schools in south London and 10 in Glasgow."
Reader views (4)
Very cool. Why wasn't learning this fun when i was at school? It's like the Healthy Planet charity that just did a fun thing with schools about £20 + 0 = £29 using a comic strip & celebrity. My school gets money from parents doing Xmas shopping
- Danielle Wright, Bishop's Stortford, 10/12/2009 09:43
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Teaching has evolved. This is old news I have been using similar tech as a teacher for over a year. There is an Australian based e-learning website called mathletics which does all of the mentioned and more. This school is the latest in the line following the growing trend to look to tech as a solution to raising standards. The answers is, and remains more time and money will the great the results.
- Matt, London, 09/12/2009 21:02
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The games are good. Maybe UK will begin to compete with India in maths now ;0)
- Merdad, Shipton Moyne, UK, 09/12/2009 09:48
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Good idea. I hope it spreads. Innovation in education is important for the future of our country.
- Jeff, London, 08/12/2009 23:14
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