Memphis Schools Adds Gaming for Math and Science

Memphis City Schools has signed an agreement with a Web-based service that provides math- and science-based games. The district has begun making Penda Learning available for students in grades 4-10.

Penda, which is intended to be used as a supplemental resource, has the student pick an avatar and specify friends. The user chooses what activity he or she will work on, and the social nature of the program allows the student to get into friendly competitions with those friends. The service specifies what standards a given set of exercises aligns with and delivers between 10 and 15 minutes of activities, which are scaffolded to continually crank up the difficulty level as the student demonstrates proficiency. When the student misses a question, the service provides hints. Progress summaries are reported to users and teachers.

The company's lessons align with both Common Core State Standards in math and Florida's standards in math and science.

The service is being used in Maple Heights City Schools in Ohio, Miami-Dade County Public Schools in Florida, and Tennyson High School in Hayward, CA.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • three silhouetted education technology leaders with thought bubbles containing AI-related icons

    Ed Tech Leaders Rank Generative AI as Top Tech Priority

    In a recent CoSN survey, an overwhelming majority of ed tech leaders (94%) said they see AI as having a positive impact on education. Respondents ranked generative AI as their top tech priority, with 80% reporting their districts have gen AI initiatives underway, or plan to in the current school year.

  • laptop screen displaying a typed essay, on a child

    McGraw Hill Acquires Essaypop Digital Learning Tool

    Education company McGraw Hill has announced the acquisition of Essaypop, a cloud-based writing tool that will enhance the former's portfolio of personalized learning capabilities.

  • illustration of an open book with lines and circles around it

    Foundations in Learning Launches Fluency for All Movement

    Ed tech company Foundations in Learning, creator of the WordFlight literacy assessment and intervention for students in grades 3-8, has kicked off a new movement aimed at improving reading literacy.

  • pattern of icons for math and reading, including a pi symbol, calculator, and open book

    HMH Launches Personalized Path Solution

    Adaptive learning company HMH has introduced HMH Personalized Path, a K-8 ELA and math product that combines intervention curriculum, adaptive practice, and assessment for students of all achievement levels.