About the Intervention
Building Blocks is a mathematics software program designed to develop understanding and skill fluency in numeracy and geometry for children ages 4-9. The software includes more than 200 activities organized into topical learning trajectories based on research. For this study, only numeracy games were used, targeting skills like counting, comparing and ordering numbers, subitizing, composing numbers, and arithmetic operations. Students worked individually on computers during designated computer lab time, receiving 90 minutes of computer-assisted instruction per week for 21 weeks (spread across 30 calendar weeks). The software is adaptive, adjusting difficulty levels based on individual student performance, and allows students to move between games independently. Three research assistants supervised sessions to provide technical assistance and behavioral support.
Statistical Findings
Positive effect: on numeracy
Positive effect: on Applied Problems
Positive effect: on number recognition and subitizing
Positive effect: on composition of number
Positive effect: on arithmetic
No effect: on number comparison and sequencing
No effect: on vocabulary
More Intervention Details
Focus Areas
Economically DisadvantagedPrograms & Services
General EducationDelivery Methods
Face-to-FaceDisability Support
N/ATarget Groups
Student(s)Citation
Anthony, J. L., Clements, D. H., Foster, M. E., Sarama, J. & Williams, J. M. (2016). Improving Mathematics Learning of Kindergarten Students through Computer-Assisted Instruction (ED580968). ERIC. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED580968.pdf.
Study Demographics
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Other Participant Characteristics
Geographical Setting
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