In years past we have attempted to implement an online problem-solving program with our fifth-graders. It is out of Maryland. I have always felt a bit sheepish asking kids to use it as I had never investigated it myself. I didn't know how it worked, what the goals of the program were, or what essential learnings or standards it addressed. So I spent some time investigating the program further. I was able to set up a teacher account which allows me to view what my students are doing on the program. I can see where they have been successful and what problems they have attempted. In addition I was able to view all of the teacher videos that taught me how to use the puzzles and resources with my class, and how to support my students, and how it tied to learning outcomes. I learned that the game is aimed at 6-8 graders and that many of the outcomes are above and beyond where I might expect even my gifted math students to go.
I also learned how to navigate through the program and that it has a feature that allows me to set up teams of students. They can communicate and work together to solve the puzzles. The beauty though, is that the numbers in each puzzle change each time it is loaded so a child can continually attempt a problem and when they solve it, they can only talk about how to solve it and not an actual answer.
The premise of the game is very engaging - the kids are rescuing pets and have a monster avatar.
I decided I would introduce it to my classes although I don't expect all kids to enjoy it or be successful. I look at it as an opportunity for kids who are ready for challenges to have an engaging challenge.
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