3 Free iOS Math Apps Today: Math Flow Apps
AppAdvice.com listed these three free iOS math apps in their AppsGoneFree section and it is easy to see why. Flow Plus, MultiFlow, and Division Flow are three really nice math apps that make drilling math facts more game-like. Normally between $4.99 – $5.99, they are a great app to snatch for free. The basic interface is the same on all three, so this article will review them together and then specify differences where needed.
In Flow Plus, the student can choose from four challenging modes on the iPad and race against the clock to solve the addition and subtraction problems. Answers are entered into a simple calculator interface. The game includes multiple levels of difficulty, support for multiple profiles, and achievements and leaderboards via Game Center.
MultiFlow allows students to practice their multiplication facts from one through twenty. Again,
there are different modes to choose from and the student races against the clock to gain more points. There is a Pick’Em mode that lets the student choose which multiplication tables to practice.
DivisionFlow is, of course, where students practice division skills. It has all the same game-based features as the others including multiple modes and race against the clock.
What is great about these apps is that while most apps that review basic math facts are geared toward younger children, the interface and game-like features make them appealing for older students. There are literally tons of apps out there for younger students. However, older students still struggling with number sense do not always have an app that looks like it was meant for someone above the age of 7. These apps seem most appropriate for students in grades 5 and up who need to strengthen basic math facts.
Each app is adaptive, offering the student more difficult problems as they demonstrate mastery. There is plenty of room to grow to challenge students with varied ability levels. Students can choose different levels of difficulty as well as shorter or longer time intervals when “racing the clock.” The game-based features make them fun as well as challenging.
The learning features are not particularly innovative. This is a basic drill and kill type of math game. However, strengthening these skills increases automaticity in recalling math facts, which helps when solving more difficult problems.
These apps definitely have a place in the classroom. They can be used in centers, to help with remediation, or to challenge younger, advanced students. Grab them while they are free!
