As part of the Centre for Early Mathematical Learning (CEML), Professor Manches is exploring the design of numerical representations to support early learning. For this, we have received additional funding to co-develop a new version of Numbuko, a free app created in a previous project to demonstrate how technology enables us to represent concepts in new ways. Numbuko allows children to directly explore numerical relationships through colour. As well as re-design and improve the creative environment of Numbuko to make accessible freely to parents and educators (who have an iPhone/iPad/mac), this funding allows us to address feedback to create a game - focusing on children’s understanding of numerical composition – ‘number bonds’ in curriculum speak.
Numbuko contributes two areas of knowledge. Firstly, the new version enables the research team to experimentally explore the influence of representational design features, as well interaction and preferences regarding sandpit versus structured game environments. Secondly, the app helps us understand the challenges and opportunities of translating mathematics education research into practice.
If you are interested in being a teacher evaluator of Numbuko before it is available (for free) on the App Store, please email Professor Andrew Manches a.manches@ed.ac.uk.
