Math games can too often present the learning goal as an obstacle to overcome. Shooting aliens to solve fractions is an example. The result is a moment of fun punctuated by the chore of performing a task. In other words, the game actions—or core mechanics—do not match the educational goal. This is chocolate-covered broccoli.
The Land of Venn is an ingenious geometry game that aligns learning to fun. It smartly avoids being “edutainment” by putting play first. It is a universal mobile application in which you draw lines and shapes to learn about lines and shapes. The narrative, which is silly and amusing (as is the catchy music), is a tower defense game.
By performing the actions of geometry, players internalize the concepts. It is a clear example of constructivist learning—learning by doing. For example, children connect points (each point is a different enemy) to draw an isosceles triangle. As a result, confidence in abstract mathematical concepts is built as mastery of levels is met.
Watch this video to learn more about The Land of Venn
By :Matthew Farber
Matthew Farber teaches social studies at Valleyview Middle School, in Denville, New
Jersey, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Educational Technology Leadership at
New Jersey City University. Look for his book, Gamify Your Classroom: A Field Guide to
Game-Based Learning, and follow him on Twitter @MatthewFarber.
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