Pilot program will look at supplementing traditional teaching methods with game-based format designed to enhance 21st century critical thinking and problem-solving skills
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tabula Digita, the leading developer of content-rich, educational video games, today announced that Tacoma Public Schools (TPS) has implemented a pilot program using the DimensionM™ immersive educational video games. Several middle schools and one high school are testing the compelling games in Pre-Algebra and Algebra classes with the hope of both stimulating and engaging students in navigating the complexities of learning and mastering math.
“This generation wants to be entertained while learning and what better way to meet that need than by way of a participatory game platform fused with standards-based curriculum.”
Tacoma School Board member, Kim Golding, who first learned of the research-based games while attending an educational technology conference in Seattle, was an instant advocate for bringing the immersive games to area classrooms.
“I completely understand how young students would find authentic video game technology appealing,” said Golding. “This generation wants to be entertained while learning and what better way to meet that need than by way of a participatory game platform fused with standards-based curriculum.”
Tacoma teachers who will incorporate the game-based curriculum in their classroom have just completed their training and will begin adding the supplemental games to their lesson plans this month.
“I am impressed with the variety of math skills that are incorporated into the DimensionM games, and that they align with our state standards,” said Andy Coons, instructional technology facilitator for Tacoma Public Schools. “We are always looking for new ways to make math learning relevant in the lives of our students. These are 21st century learners. They don’t learn the same way we adults did. They thrive with being hands-on and respond to inquiry based learning.”
Correlated to standards set by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and all 50 states, the DimensionM games have proved effective in introducing math concepts, differentiating instruction, engaging students in their own learning, increasing time on task, enhancing student motivation, and improving academic achievement. The DimensionM product series, available on both Windows and Macintosh platforms, assists students in learning and mastering multifaceted mathematical concepts within three-dimensional, lesson-based environments.
“The DimensionM games are empowering students and teachers and transforming classrooms into environments that model the key 21st century skills that are so sought-after in today’s work place,” said Ntiedo Etuk, chief executive officer and co-founder of Tabula Digita. “Tacoma Public Schools are taking an important step today in augmenting their delivery of curriculum that supports mastery of content, skill and achievement through innovative technology.”
About Tacoma Public Schools
The Tacoma Public Schools has 37 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, five comprehensive high schools and seven alternative learning sites serving more than 29,000 children in kindergarten through grade 12. Teachers involved in the pilot program are: Margaret Patterson (Algebra/intervention) and John Solberg (seventh-grade math) at Lincoln High School, Dylan Moyer (6-8 TLC) at First Creek Middle School and Joshua Mayer at Mason Middle School.
About Tabula Digita
Since 2007, Tabula Digita has set a new course in the development of innovative educational video games. Through its collaborative, content-rich, immersive learning environments, Tabula Digita’s DimensionU Learning System offers research-based instructional tools that support math and science curriculum for elementary, middle and high school students.
The system includes the award-winning DimensionM math games designed for single and multiple players. Aligned to state standards, the games have been proven highly effective in increasing student engagement, time on task, and achievement scores. In 2009, the League of Scientists free-to-play web games were introduced for students in grades three-five. In 2010 the company will introduce its new line of literacy games.
Tabula Digita games are currently being used in school districts across the country including New York City Public Schools, Chicago Public Schools, Broward County Public Schools, and Austin and Ft. Worth Independent School Districts in Texas.
In 2008,Tabula Digita’s DimensionM gaming series was named the Best Educational Game/Simulation from the Software Industry Information Association (SIIA).
For more information, please call 1-877-6-TABULA or 1-877-682-2852 or visit www.DimensionU.com.