MathTappers: MultiMatch app for iPhone and iPad

MathTappers: MultiMatch, challenges players to clear an array of cards by finding and removing sets of related cards. A sample game deck is included—Factors to 50. Once familiar with the app, you may choose to create and share additional game decks to support learning in any content area. Decks can be shared via email, website or airdrop.

A game deck contains many sets of cards plus some instruction slides. When playing, a few of the sets in the deck are displayed in an array that must be cleared by selecting one set at a time. A card set may include 1, 2, 3, or more cards. Game cards may have one or more faces (just swipe to switch), and you can tap and hold on a card to enlarge it.

In the settings screen, players may choose: the size of the array 3x3, 4x4, etc.; whether to have cards presented face up or face down; whether they want to start with the top image on each card or have them shuffled; and which game deck they want to play with. They may also manage the decks in their collection (delete or share).

We have designed MathTappers: MultiMatch to allow anyone (teachers, students, parents, experts, etc.) to create game decks to support consolidation, mastery, and fluency development in any content area. Teacher created games can be useful, but the greater educational value comes from encouraging students to develop and demonstrate their mastery of a topic by participating in the creation and validation of their own matching game decks.

Having students design and construct their own game decks may lead to:
• learning that is contextualized, authentic, engaged, and active
• skill development in creative thinking, reasoning, story-telling, visual design, problem-solving and audience awareness
• an appreciation for intellectual property (IP) rights and understandings about copyright, Creative Commons, and appropriate attribution

For those who are curious as to whether we are stepping away from mathematics in this app—we are not. Mathematics was derived from the Greek word máthēma—which is associated with study, learning, knowledge, and instruction.

Designed by:
Tim Pelton
Leslee Francis Pelton
Eileen van der Flier-Keller
Joshua E Smith

Programmed by:
Joshua E Smith
Skyler A Smith

Development supported by:
CER-Net
University of Victoria