MathMazing: 3D Gesture Recognition Exergame for Arithmetic Skills

Abstract

We have developed a 3D gesture-recognition based animation game, called MathMazing, for teaching arithmetic to primary school students. MathMazing requires application of not only Logic and Kinesthetic skills but also addresses spatial skills. It is created using an open source 3D animation and game logic tool called Blender. The gestures are captured using Microsoft Kinect and imported into Blender through FAAST, a gesture-interpretation tool. Preliminary experiments and interviews with primary school students show that they enjoyed the active learning environment in MathMazing. They were motivated by its interaction mode, beyond that of conventional computer-games, for sustained interest in arithmetic. We are in process of conducting more rigorous experiments to assess the usability and learning outcome of Mathmazing.