2021 EDU: A math game model for the metaverse. Why can kids learn to play all sorts of games but can't learn the game of math? Because game developers do a better job of teaching.

A math game model for the metaverse.  

Why can kids learn to play all sorts of games 

but can't learn the game of math?  

Because game developers do a better job of teaching.

In preparing video instruction, think like a designer of video games. Plan the motivation as well as the content.

• Watch on YouTube

The video game model 

• Get learners curious
• Start with very easy problems
• Put learner in control
• Let learners make mistakes and recover from them.
• Below is an example.

The game of algebra

• A big part of algebra is a game.
• It has pieces: the familiar numbers and one new piece, X
• X is the puzzle piece.  It represents the  mystery number you want to find.
• You get the game in the form of an equation: 4X + 3 = 15
• The puzzle:  what is the value for X that makes the equation true?
• Notice that the first term on the left side just means four times X, 

The rules of the game

• You can add, subtract, multiply or divide both sides of the equation by the same number.
• (If there are several terms on the side, you multiply or divide each term.)
• If there are several numbers on one side you can combine them with arithmetic. 
• There are other rules but they can wait till later.
• Step 1: Subtract 3 from both sides: 4X = 15-3.
• Step 2: Do the simple arithmetic on the right:  4X=12
• Step 3: Divide both sides by 4: X = 3
• Puzzle question: Why did we pick 3 for subtracting and 4 for dividing?
• Puzzle question: Is there a way to combine 3X + 4X?

The game in 3D

• We want the student to practice these operations.

Your first challenge

• Get your algebra beginner badge: show you are ready to begin algebra.
• On the ground in front of you is a jigsaw puzzle, partly completed.
• The genies in the circle ahead of you have the puzzle pieces to finish it.
• But each genie will want you to answer a riddle to get her puzzle piece.
• Hint: The smaller genies have the easiest riddles.
• But you can start anywhere.  
• You will have to answer all the riddles to finish the puzzle.
• A right answer gets you the puzzle piece.  
• A wrong answer can cause you to lose a puzzle piece.
• So if you are not sure of the answer, just don't give an answer.
• Go try an easier genie
• You can try again later.  You will be smarter then.

A model for learning many skills

• And it would even work for learning facts if they have to pass a standard test.

Could it work for people together?

• Since it is planned for virtual worlds, the game could have multiple people in the place.
• Teachers. tutors, parents, teams, learning coaches--anyone on the whitelist for the place.

Who would build such a game?

• A person or a company providing instruction or tutoring in the subject.

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License

• Original text in this blog is CC By: unless specified public domain.
• Use as you please with attribution: link to the original.
• All images without attribution in this blog are CC0: public domain.
• Screenshots from ShareX
• Second Life, Linden, SLurl, and SL are trademarks of Linden Research Inc.
• Annotated screenshots made with Techsmith Capture
• This blog is not affiliated with anything.   Ads are from Google.
• Selby Evans in Kitely and Hypergrid, Thinkerer Melville in Second Life.