How Dr Math reaches pupils with competitions and computer games by using MXit

Abstract

In a world where school books, pencils and paper have to compete with cell phones, IPODs, and MP3 players for pupils' attention, Dr Math entices pupils to practice basic mathematics skills by providing games and competitions using Mxit over cell phones. Dr Math is a Mxit contact which pupils can add which gives pupils the opportunity to compete with other pupils in basic arithmetic skills such as addition and multiplication and more advanced mathematics skills such as factoring a polynomial and finding the prime factors of a number. In addition, interactive fiction games are available with mathematical twists in a plot that require some basic arithmetic skills to solve the puzzle. And, all of this is done over Mxit – South Africa's leading instant messaging provider – on cell phones