More Multiplication Apps.

  As commented earlier, its harder for students to figure out common denominators for fractions if they are not fluent in their facts but there is another aspect of multiplication they need to be good at and that is when you multiply the numerator and denominator to change the fraction.

Many of my students struggle when multiplying two digit numbers by two digit numbers.  So I found two apps which can help a student with that type of procedure.  First is the Math edge multiplication app.  It is different because it has two different choices.  The first is step by step which has students practice their multiplying two digit by one digit or two digit by two digit number a step at a time.

It bolds the two digits it wants you to multiply and you type in the answer using the number pad.  As you type in the answer, it shows up on the screen. If a digit has to be carried, it will float up to the area for carrying.  If you make  mistake, the answer is in red and fades away.  Once the multiplication is finished, you have to do the adding to complete the process.  The flash cards limit you to selecting multiplication tables for zero to five.  If you want to go to the 12's you have to upgrade.

The other is Multiplication!! which is free and designed to have students practice multidigit multiplication.  This differs from the other one in that it has a square to type in the digit.  You are required to type in everything here including the numeral you are carrying.  If you place the incorrect digit in the space, it is red and will not move on until you place the correct digit in there.

Every problem involves a different number of digits but it is not timed and there is a tutorial to show students how to do each problem.

The last two are games to practice simple multiplication.  One is M: Mission: Multiplication which has students controlling a rocket to fly through the ring with the correct answer.  It has an old fashioned feel to it but it was created by a high school student a couple years ago.  It requires a bit of finesse to get the rocket where you want it.  The number in the ring turns red if it is incorrect and green if it is correct. I don't last long because I"m always crashing into an asteroid belt.  Best of all, it is free.

The other is Marble Math Lite, a nice little game where you guide a marble through a obstacle course.  Sometimes you hit a flashlight so you have to complete it in the light provided by the flashlight, while other times you hit the wrong answer, or get a free ride card.  It asks the questions in three different ways such as 2 times what is 10 or what factors give you 48, or 3 times 4 is.  You have a chance to look at the problem before you move the marble so you know where to aim. 

 Both games give you a chance to practice your multiplication tables but the marble one is easier for me personally to play but I think students would enjoy both.  I hope these reviews help everyone.  Let me know what you think.