A model for using Arabic Hindi Numerals in Arithmetic Competitions on cell phones for Basic School Pupils

Abstract

Over the last two decades, it has been observed that pupils of the early stages of learning mathematics face challenges working on the associated processes, particularly the simple ones, as addition, subtraction and multiplication. However, teaching aids are proved to be in need for new ideas to help pupils learn these calculations. Where Arabic speaking pupils and students study mathematics using the present characters of digits used in English, it is useful if these processes are done using Arabic Hindi numerals such as 􀋺􀋻􀋼􀋽􀋾􀋿􀌀􀌁􀌂􀋹. Therefore research is required to seek a creative way that can help teach mathematical operations in an easy going activity. These early challenges facing pupils of the two first classes of basic schools in Sudan can be overcome making use of the new cell-phone and internet technologies. Studies of these devices have shown many and various aids in simple mathematical processes in concise results. The fact that pupils are keen in using cell-phones to play games is an opportunity to exploit this tendency into an educational activity, particularly mathematical ones. In addition, the researcher aims at making pupils busy using cell-phones, almost all the time, that offer competitions to help solve their challenges. This study required several techniques for data collection: observations, interviews and tests. The sample is a combination of pupils, teachers and practitioners. Since the solution is a mathematics competition the matter needs the pupils and their teachers beside the latter's opinions and views about what exactly their pupils need. The study presents a useful and usable model to work on that uses Arabic Hindi numerals instead of Arabic Numerals. Pupils used the application easily and experienced IV benefits of the easy activities of mathematics HessApp provides with. In addition, the researcher proved the ability to convert Arabic Hindi numerals out of Java texts to simplify the application screen being easy in the native language integers 1234567890. The most important outcome is that HessApp can be used in class as a lesson plan aid when it needs only a few devices to compete during the period time. It is proved to be helpful in improving mathematics skills in elementary schools pupils. The population is limited at the early stages of basic school pupils and their teachers. They are all Sudanese in the Blue Nile state schools for three years 2013 – 2016.