Dino Tim: Gamifying Counting Skills

Dino Tim is a gamified approach to teaching counting skills. Once users load the app and enter their age, they are able to choose either the “Easy” or “Normal” mode. Multiple screens then appear that present an image-based storyline, and users must tap the “Play” button to advance through them. The app will then present users with multiple-choice math problems to solve, and users must drag the correct answer into the box after the “=” to solve the problem. If they are correct, they advance to the next problem. If they are incorrect, they can work to answer the question again. After solving a set of questions, users are then presented with a game-based challenge. To complete it, users are to maneuver their character to gather as many representations of a certain number. At this point, another challenge will appear.

To advance levels, users must earn a certain number of stars, which are gathered by correctly answering questions. When in between stages, users can tap the “Home” button to return to the main screen. On that screen, users can adjust the settings, change the nationality, and select a different mode.

• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.EducaGames.DinoTim
• iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/es/app/id962699433

Instructional Ideas for Dino Tim

1. After teaching counting skills, teachers can have their students practice those skills using this app. As students practice, teachers can make sweeps of the room to monitor their students’ progress and provide support as needed.
2. For students who need extra support, teachers can share this app with parents/guardians and encourage them to use it with their child at home. This way, it will reinforce school-based teaching and learning.
3. After students demonstrate proficiency in solving math problems using this app, teachers can transition them to paper-and-pencil practice. That way, students will be able to begin solving math problems in varying contexts.
4. As part of a professional development opportunity, teachers can work with an instructional coach and/or group of peers to evaluate a variety of math apps and choose the ones that best fits their students’ needs. Teachers can begin that process by all reviewing Dino Tim and then use it as a basis of comparison for the other apps.
5. To support the development of students’ communication skills, teachers can have them use Dino Tim to practice their math skills. As they gain proficiency, teachers can facilitate class discussions about the app by asking their students: (1) What do you like about the app? (2) What makes the app challenging? (3) If you could make one change to the app, what would it be? Students can then share their responses verbally.

Screenshots of Dino Tim

Ratings of Dino Tim

Please Note: No stars indicate that the dimension is not applicable