Spotlight+on+PS+312

=PS 312 Got Game! DimensionM Game! =

7103 Avenue T Brooklyn, NY 11234** []
 * PS 312

Teachers: Mr. Wessinger, Mr. Goodman & Ms. Pagnotta**
 * Principal: Ms. Beal-Benigno

** DimensionM Highlights at PS 312 ** PS 312 began integrating Tabula Digita’s DimensionM Multiplayer, Evolver Single Player, and Dimenxian Single Player in January 2009 with two classes. This research-based video game offers standards-based, educational gaming that immerses students in learning and applying essential arithmetic and algebra concepts. By completing “missions” within the games’ 3D, reality-based environments, students ages 8-18 are quickly learning and mastering multifaceted mathematical concepts instantaneously. This 21st century instructional tool provides students with highly interactive story introductions, content rich instruction supporting over 200 math skills and a host of practice activities. In addition, the Web-based lessons, accessible from home or school, offer an overview of the skills and learning objectives that are part of the missions. All of the games are correlated to the [|National Council of Teachers of Mathematics]and state standards in all 50 states.

Here at PS 312, students are engaged in the missions of the game in many different ways. Students are sometimes assigned to play specific missions based on their learning needs as indicated by formal and informal assessments and teacher observation. Students are also allowed to play the missions at their own level or above to practice or enrich their knowledge of selected skills/concepts at school or at home. The game allows students to play against their classmates or against students in other parts of the New York City or the country. The competitive spirit tends to motivate the students to learn the skills in order to earn the highest points during a game and beat their opponents.

Teachers run reports frequently from the Educator Portal to see how their students are improving or if they need additional help. There are many reports that can be run to help the teachers collect information on the students. For example, the usage report indicates how often students log in, how much time is spent on a mission and which skills are being mastered or which needs reteaching.

The excitement and eagerness to compete against their fellow students has resulted in many students improving their math skills and improving their attendance. This excitement and motivation as a result of using DimensionM has also resulted in an interclass competition where students showcased their math skills. PS 312 qualified for the 2009 and 2010 NYC Mega Bowl Tournaments. In both years, their qualifying students came in second place.

The students are more motivated to learn math and the teachers are delighted at the results!

===PS 312's Andre H. received 2nd Place in the Elementary School Individual Championship and teachers Mr. Wessinger and Mr. Goodman received 1st Place and 3rd Place respectively in the Educator Individual Competition.===

Comparing DimensionM usage at PS 312 with NYC || The Average NYC school comparable to PS 312† || PS 55 in the Bronx†† || PS 312 || Average total hours played in Feb. 2010 || 38.9 || 47.1 ||  182.6 || Average total hours played in Dec. 2009 || 64.5 || 65.0 ||  302.6 || Average total hours played in Oct. 2009 || 28.8 || 9.6 ||  3.0 || Comparing DimensionM points at PS 312 with NYC || The Average NYC school comparable to PS 312†  || PS 55 in the Bronx†† || PS 312 || Average points earned in Feb. 2010 || 391,230.5 ||  603,778  ||  2,654,626  || Average points earned in Dec. 2009  || 376,440.9 ||  462,072  ||  2,654,366  || Average points earned in Oct. 2009  || 51,491 ||  33,373  ||  6,570  || †Schools comparable to PS 312 are those with active users and have between 20 and 100 licenses to the game. ††PS 55 is a school in the Bronx that is also implementing DimensionM with their elementary school population. They also participated in the 2010 MegaBowl.