Mathamagica. Burnaby, BC: Candy Byte Software 205-5350 Victory St., V5J 1T1), 2001. CD-ROM, Home edition, Version 1.00 $22.00; Library edition, $22.00; School edition, Version 1.10. Since prices vary according to the number of computers at one school site, consult pricing at http://www.candybyte.com/mathbuylib.html Minimum system requirements: Hard Disk: 20 MB; RAM: 32 MB; Processor: Pentium 133 MHz; Operating Sys: Windows 98/2000/ME/XP; CD-ROM: Quad Speed; Monitor: 256 Colour SVGA; Audio: Windows Compatible Sound Card; Other: Mouse. Subject Headings: Games in mathematics education-Juvenile interactive multimedia. Mathematical recreations-Juvenile interactive multimedia. Arithmetic-Juvenile interactive multimedia. Mathematics-Juvenile interactive multimedia. Grades 2-7 / Ages 7-12. Review by Arsalan Wares. *** /4

The software allows elementary school students to work on their basic mathematical skills in the following areas: addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, telling time, greater than less than, word problems, and sequence completion. The software has five skill levels. The most difficult (Expert Level) is usually quite challenging for most elementary school students. A pencil and paper would help students work at the expert level.

     The strengths of the software include the following. It allows students to review basic mathematical facts in a fun and interactive way. It spans over multiple topics in elementary school mathematics (e.g. addition and subtraction, patterns, and comparison of two numbers). The software seems to be appropriate for both girls and boys. Finally, the format of the software is similar to that of many computer games. Hence, I believe many children, who like computer games, will be able to relate to it and enjoy using it.

     Since the focus of mathematics education is problem solving, more emphasis could have been put on word problems and other types of problem solving. Some of the games may seem too long to some students with short attention spans; I didn't see a way of shortening the games. In spite of the aforementioned criticisms, I believe teachers and parents who are interested in helping their students or children learn basic facts in mathematics will find this software helpful.

Recommended with reservations.

Dr. Arsalan Wares is a professor of mathematics education for early and middle years teachers in the Faculty of Education, the University of Manitoba.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

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