The Prodigy game is a math-focused blended learning solution that helps connect in- class and at-home learning through gamification. It uses a role-playing adventure to engage students, and students demonstrate their progress by completing tasks.
Teachers can customize the game to meet a range of curricular standards and target specific skills.
Disadvantages
One of the primary disadvantages of the Prodigy game is that it requires a monthly subscription to play. Parents should be aware of this, as more schools are requiring the game as part of their curriculum. While the game is technically free, many parents are not comfortable with this model, which tricks kids into thinking they need to pay to level up quicker.
According to research, kids spend a large portion of their time idly wandering around the game. Additionally, the game features numerous in-game distractions, which makes it difficult for students to focus. Moreover, many teachers who tested Prodigy admitted that extra math practice was essential for student success, but they could not attribute the students’ success to the game. The games’ bells and whistles are designed to lure students into playing for longer, but in reality they hinder children’s ability to learn math.
Strengths
The Prodigy game has a magical setting that encourages players to explore and solve math problems. The game’s players speculate that much of the net energy on the island is located in warden keystones, which represent locations on the map.
The game is easy to use and has excellent in-game support. There is a toolbar that features resources for students that can help them learn math concepts, including base ten blocks, fraction bars, and read to me.
The game is also aligned with Common Core and other US, Canadian, Australian, and UK standards. The questions in the game correlate to specific curriculum outcomes, which helps teachers reinforce key concepts. Prodigy also collects data and sends questions based on student skill levels, which makes it a valuable supplemental learning resource.
Marketing
Currently, more than 24 million children are registered with the Prodigy game, representing more than half of all elementary and middle school students in North America. In the past four years, the game has experienced exponential growth, with enrollment increasing two to three times a year. In some years, the increase was as high as ten times, indicating that more kids are signing up for Prodigy than ever before.
Prodigy’s educational games are becoming more popular, and they have a variety of benefits. Not only do they encourage children to learn and grow, but they also improve their health and well-being. In 2011, Hamilton-based Prodigy released educational software for kids in grades 1 through 8. Today, the game has over one million daily active users.
Price
The price of the Prodigy game may be prohibitive for some families. The game is available on Android, iOS, and home computers, and requires internet access. This makes it an ideal resource for blended learning, where kids can practice math concepts wherever they have internet access. The prodigy website has a helpful support section, including troubleshooting guides and personalized instructions and images.
Teachers can also use Prodigy to assess their students’ progress. The platform offers a wide range of reports, including how many students are struggling and the percentage of the curriculum covered. Its visual reporting makes it easy for teachers to monitor the progress of their students. The Prodigy dashboard also provides an overview of student progress over the course of the week. It also displays a leaderboard and analysis of where students answered questions and which skills they practiced.
