Digital Block for Place Value

Digital Block is a visual-aid learning tool that is designed for early math learners to easily understand the concept of the base-10 system which consists of the related calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.  Place Value works for learners to confidently acquire the knowledge and skills regarding the fundamental concept of the base-10 system and its subordinate ideas of composing and decomposing numbers.  They do this by moving blocks back and forth using a digital pen tool for corresponding mathematical numbers.  In class, learners can pause and replay their calculation processes which were automatically recorded.  In doing so, they can visually review the steps they’ve actually performed.  This stimulates productive communication among classmates about the method of thinking they used to actually arrive at their mathematical conclusions.


Components:

① 2 digits
② 3 digits


Expected Learning Effects:

【Visualizing thinking processes】
Learners can visually express what they are thinking by moving blocks and writing figures on screen.  In class they can learn from each other through showing what they do, explaining what they think, and sharing how they arrive at their mathematical conclusions.

【Understanding composing and decomposing numbers using images】
With “Swap” buttons, learners can quickly and accurately understand how numbers are composed and decomposed.  With visibly repeated use of Digital Block, learners will be able to manipulate the blocks in their mind to solve mathematical problems with a clear image of the base-10 system through composing and decomposing numbers.

【Easy to review learning processes】
Learners can take a retrospective and objective view on their own learning processes they made in the past, which enables them to nourish their knowledge and skills of calculations by using the “Save” and “Review” buttons when needed.

【Manipulating numbers using images】
Learners can gradually become good enough to make clear images with repeated use of Digital Block again and again so they can manipulate numbers without using tablet computers as a result.

【Nourishing logical and critical thinking skills】
Learners can logically and critically think to see if they understand and solve problems correctly by visibly checking their calculation processes.  Learners can also find something to fix before they reach a final answer and prove it is a correct answer by reversing the procedures of calculation as they move blocks back to where they belong in their original positions.

【Nourishing collaborative problem solving skills】
In classrooms learners’ abilities to anticipate what happens next and explain how it is correct will greatly improve by intentionally using the “Replay” and “Pause” buttons in group activities.  Learners will improve their problem solving skills through good communication with their classmates.

Tutorials:

See also “Developer Website”

or

http://learnforjapan.org/learning-tool/math/place-value/english/index.html