Game On: Bringing Game‑Based Learning to Math Fact Fluency and Fractions Learning

Presented by Jesse Mercer, Former Math Teacher, Current Senior Product Designer, ExploreLearning; and Desire Kirchofer, Former Educator, Current Professional Learning Manager, ExploreLearning

Sponsored by ExploreLearning

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Keeping students engaged in math can feel like an uphill battle, especially in the middle of the school year. Game-based learning offers a powerful way to re-energize instruction by combining purposeful practice with meaningful engagement. But how do you know if a game-based tool is not only fun, but effective? Join this edWebinar to explore how thoughtfully designed math games support fraction understanding and math fact fluency, all while keeping students motivated.

Key topics include:

• Why game-based learning works for both conceptual understanding and skill fluency
• How adaptive learning experiences use feedback and motivation to accelerate learning
• Practical ideas for integrating games to keep students energized

The edWebinar features real-world classroom examples and a demonstration of two digital math tools designed to support math fact fluency and a conceptual understanding of fractions: Reflex and Frax. The presenters explore what makes a math game work and share classroom-ready strategies to model how purposeful technology can complement effective instruction.

Viewers also have access to a 45-day free trial of Reflex and Frax.

Gain the tools to boost student engagement and math foundations through game-based learning. This recorded edWebinar is of interest to grades 2-6 teachers and education technology leaders.

About the Presenters

Jesse Mercer, a Senior Product Designer at ExploreLearning, has over 20 years of experience in education and related fields. He has an MA in math education, is a National Board Certified Teacher for secondary mathematics, and was a recipient of his district’s “Golden Apple” award for teaching. During his 13 years in the classroom, Jesse taught upper elementary and middle school mathematics courses, ranging from fifth-grade math through Algebra I. He currently works with several other designers on creating the curriculum and instructional content for Frax.

Desire Kirchofer spent ten years in the classroom before joining ExploreLearning in 2022 as a Professional Learning Manager. She has seen the real impact of their solutions in the classroom and is passionate about helping teachers find the best ways to implement them with their students. When she is not collaborating or facilitating learning, you can find her spending time outdoors, reading the latest science fiction or fantasy novel, or crafting with her kids.

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ExploreLearning develops education technology for the most critical STEM learning needs. From early science exploration to foundational math skills to virtual STEM simulations, our solutions build deep understanding and are proven to work for ALL students. Our award-winning K-12 STEM tools, including Gizmos, Reflex, Frax, and Science4Us, are used by over 15 million students in over 80 countries.

Research based and proven to be effective, ExploreLearning STEM solutions are serious fun. Designed to engage students and inspire curiosity, they encourage and reward students as they learn. With adaptive, individualized instruction, our solutions build critical STEM skills with just-in-time support for each student. Transform your STEM instruction with digital tools that make it easy to reward effort, track progress, and personalize learning for every learner.