Middle Schools Adopt Gaming in Response-to-Intervention Strategies

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Garland Independent School District in Texas is using educational gaming in three middle schools in response-to-intervention (RTI) programs.

The district previously announced that it had adopted Tabula Digita's DimensionM as an educational tool back in February. Now it's using that immersive gaming tool in an effort to help academically and economically struggling students who are having trouble with math.

DimensionM is an immersive gaming environment focused on algebra and pre-algebra learning. It offers a 3D environment in which players carry out missions (lessons) in multi-player tournament-style games. Players face mathematical obstacles, which, when solved, allow them to advance and score points.

The game is being used as a part of the early intervention strategy based on teachers' observations of the students, test scores, and other factors.

"We understand that certain children may learn differently, but that does not mean that they are learning disabled," said Sandra Whitley, a middle school math coordinator in Garland ISD. "We're really looking at each child individually to determine what they need. Tabula Digita integrates the math into the missions so the students see more relevance, so we use the DimensionM software to increase student engagement."

Garland ISD serves about 57,000 students in two preschools, 47 elementary schools, 13 middle schools, seven high schools, and several other facilities.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


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