Robert Jones\’s Interactive Maths

Today I played the numbers game from countdown with a class in the last 10 minutes of a lesson. Previously, I had either done it by hand, or used a graphic calculator OHP device. Now I can use a bit of freeware that puts up a full colour imitation of what you would see on TV, complete with ticking clock and music.

Now, the mathematical content af all three approaches are identical. Does that mean the the fancy whistles-and-bells version I used today adds no value? I would argue that, of course, it does add value, for the simple reason that it's more fun!

It would be easy to cast a critical eye over what has been happening in East Lothian maths rooms this week and say that not much new is really going on, but that would overlook the small matter of enjoyment. The pupils are enjoying the new boards. Hallelujah!