Review of Mobile Learning Apps #5 – Prodigy

Prodigy

Seller/Creator: SMARTTeacher Inc.

Date of Creation: 2011

Operating System: iOS, Google Play, Web App.  NOT compatible with Chromebooks.

Cost: Free, 9.95/month for Prodigy Level Up, or 14.95/month for Prodigy Ultimate

Review:

Prodigy is an engaging and motivating gamified experience for students to learn math.  It’s adaptable software meets students on their level and provides challenge, quests, and battles for students to compete in and earn rewards.  Prodigy is data-driven and evidence based.  In years past, our school has purchased Prodigy for students to play, but we have since done away with it.  However, students still request to play the Prodigy during their center time or when there is some downtime.

Prodigy could be classified as a instructive app and a manipulable app as well as a knowledge & skill building app.  Students need to answer math questions in order to progress deeper into the game.  Further, Prodigy’s game aligns with research surrounding digital badges as motivational tools.  The quests and in-game rewards for correctly responding to math questions keeps students engaged and motivated.  The learner needs identified in Table 5.1 that align with Prodigy would include, but are not limited to “Practice Problem Solving, Think independently, process new information, use learning resources, experience external motivation, a sense of belonging, self-confidence, open to feedback from others, attain goals, be in a comfortable setting etc.”  (Notari, Hielscher, & King; p 89).

 

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