Three years after the COVID-19 pandemic sent schools around the world into lockdowns or other disruptions, many educators and parents are still concerned about the impact this interrupted learning has had on students, including in learning key skills such as math. Indeed, research has shown that the pandemic impacted students’ math achievement more negatively than that of reading.
However, in a study recently published in the AERA Open journal, researchers explored the effectiveness of EdTech solutions—including Kahoot! Algebra 2 by DragonBox— for increasing students’ algebraic understanding during the COVID-19 pandemic, with promising results. Kahoot! Algebra 2 by DragonBox, previously known as DragonBox Algebra 12+, is an award-winning mobile game designed to introduce children to algebraic concepts in a fun and playful way.
The study included 3,600 grade 7 students (typically aged 12 years old) participating from 2020 to 2021, with groups testing different EdTech solutions. At the end of the study, students who played Kahoot! Algebra 2 by DragonBox achieved significantly higher assessment scores compared to those in the active control group, showing greater algebraic understanding. This follows similar research showing that using the mobile game increased students’ math performance and may have mitigated math learning loss during COVID-19.
This new study also calls out the game-based learning strategy that Kahoot! Algebra 2 by DragonBox uses for its ability to amplify student motivation and engagement, problem-solving, and learning. Additionally, it points to the praise the app has received for its design based on research-backed design principles.
This research suggests that even in times of educational disruption or other stressors, playful technology such as Kahoot! Algebra 2 by DragonBox can support students in building a strong foundation for later algebra and math learning, not only by helping students understand key algebraic concepts, but also by encouraging a lifelong love of math learning.
Download Kahoot! Algebra 2 by DragonBox today on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.