The document outlines plans to develop a free online multiplication learning tool. The tool aims to teach multiple methods for solving multiplication problems, support building understanding of these methods, and help educators teach multiplication more efficiently. It will provide interactive practice problems and allow teachers to assign, view, and analyze student work. Developers are seeking educator volunteers to provide feedback during the creation and testing of the tool over 3-4 months.

1. Multiplication Tool: Development Guidelines

2. Synopsis Background and Need Project Description Project Goals in Detail Early Visual Interface Getting Involved July 23, 2009

3. Background Nationally, children achieve basic number operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, at low levels. Basic number operations underlie more complex learning in areas like geometry and algebra. The bottom line: fundamental number operations are important to strengthen. July 23, 2009

4. Project Description PLML is developing a free multiplication learning tool to help improve students’ learning of math, specifically, multiplication. The tool is focused on helping students learn to multiply numbers greater than 12, which typically rely on different cognitive mechanisms than the automatic responses for numbers under 12 July 23, 2009

5. Project Goals in Detail Teach multiple representations that can be used to develop successful answers to multiplication problems. Support learners in building a robust understanding of how to apply their favored representation in answering a problem. Support educators by decreasing the time it takes to teach multiplication. July 23, 2009

6. Multiple Representations The interface will provide a comparison between Traditional, Lattice and Base 10 solving methods. The interface will help a learner identify the method that works best for them July 23, 2009

7. Robust Understanding Each solving method will be supplemented with textual, graphic and video materials that can be used to train and guide. Each solving method will provide debugging support, e.g., the engine will recognize common problems with students’ solutions. Each solving method can automatically adjust difficulty as the student increases in ability. July 23, 2009

8. Increase Productivity The tool will provide students with opportunities to easily practice multiplication. The tool will provide teachers with the ability to view results, and changing results over time. The tool will provide teachers with online worksheets and assignments that can be provided to a class or group of learners. July 23, 2009

9. Prototype Visual July 23, 2009

10. Prototype Schematic July 23, 2009

11. Functional Overview Anonymous site users and students can use the multiplication engine. Students, with accounts, have their information saved for long-term analysis. Teachers, an account type, can create classes. Students can affiliate themselves with a class, or teachers can assign students to a class. Teachers can create assignments, and give assignments to students. Once complete, assignments can be viewed by teachers (and results feed class statistics). Assignments can be printed for easy paper distribution. July 23, 2009

12. Multiplication Tool Interface Solvers can select their favored interface for solving a problem. The problem appears on each representation tab. Depending on the level of desired support, contextual hints and suggestions appear to the solver. Users can proceed whether or not the answer is correct and final. July 23, 2009

13. Assignments Overview Teachers can create and assign assignments to their class. Assignments can have a particular number of problems, a difficulty level (based on the complexity of the problems), a time-to-complete limitation, and a due date. Reference materials can be noted in the assignment. July 23, 2009

14. How to get involved Our free tools are developed in collaboration with educators, who act as guides. We are seeking 12 to 24 math educators who would be willing to commit several hours, over the span of 3-4 months, to help develop this tool. Involvement includes free-form feedback discussions, alpha and beta evaluation, and potentially, informal testing with student learners in a live environment. Contact us if you’re interested to help out! July 23, 2009