Battleship Numberline: A Digital Game for Improving Estimation Accuracy on Fraction Number Lines

• In Event: Alternative Technology Interfaces to Support Teaching and Learning

Abstract

Proficiency with fractions is an important foundational skill that is lacking in many students. Number lines are an effective way to both guide students’ learning of fractions as well as assess their understandings. We present preliminary findings gathered by a novel digital number line game, Battleship Numberline (BSNL). Results from a pilot study conducted with 51 fourth, fifth and sixth graders indicate that playing the game lead to meaningful improvements in fraction estimation. Furthermore, analysis of player logfile data revealed common misconceptions about fractions as well as general patterns of difficulty over different types of estimation tasks, indicating that BSNL may be useful as a cognitively diagnostic assessment. Limitations of the study as well as future work are discussed.

Authors

• Dixie Ching, New York University

• Eliane Stampfer, Carnegie Mellon University

• Melanie Sandoval, University of Pittsburgh

• Kenneth R. Koedinger, Carnegie Mellon University