Sokikom Unveils MMO Social Learning Math Game
Sokikom has launched a massively multiplayer online math game, also called Sokikom, for students in grades 1 through 6.
The social learning environment, unveiled at ISTE 2011, currently includes three games:
- Frachine, which emphasizes fractions, decimals and percents;
- Opirate, which concentrates on mathematic operations and algebra; and
- Treeching, which focuses on measurement, algebra, patterns, time, and money.
A game focusing on geometry will also be released this summer.
To begin playing games, students create an avatar and take a placement test. They are then placed in a game level according to their abilities and begin playing games and solving math problems.
Students can play individually or in teams to earn Soki Coins, which can be used to buy items to dress their avatars.
Individual game-play features an adaptable personalized learning path and colorful, animated characters that point to a help button when students are stuck on a problem and need to review math concepts. In multiplayer mode, students work together in real-time to complete solve problems and complete tasks.
"It’s such a thrill for them every time," said Debbie Singleton, principal at Spectrum Elementary in Gilbert, AZ, whose student's use Sokikom. "In the past, we’ve used math programs that were supposed to be games. Students enjoyed them for a while, but eventually, they would lose interest. It’s so different with Sokikom. They stay interested and motivated, and they believe in themselves. And that’s half the battle of finding success."
Sokikom is aligned to Common Core State Standards and the National Council of teachers of Mathematics curriculum focal points.
Sokikom is available free for school and home use in a basic unlimited-use version. Premium versions with additional features such as extra incentives and rewards are also available. The school version costs $19.95 per student annually with volume discounts available to districts at [email protected]. The home version costs $11.95 per month or $49.95 for six months.
More information is available at sokikom.com. Game demos are also available at the company's website.
About the Author
Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at [email protected].