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App review by Leslie Crenna, Common Sense Education | Updated March 2013
Multiplication Genius

Multiplication Genius

Gentle, no-frills times table practice

Learning rating
Editorial review by Common Sense Education
Community rating
Based on 2 reviews
Privacy rating
Not yet rated Expert evaluation by Common Sense
Grades
3–6 This grade range is based on learning appropriateness and doesn't take into account privacy. It's determined by Common Sense Education, not the product's publisher.
Subjects & Skills
Math, Critical Thinking
Platforms:  Android
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Take a look inside

5 images
Main menu with top banner ad; the app would get a boost if users could pay to remove ads.
Practice mode allows kids to choose factors.
"Perfect!" feedback for answering within two seconds.
"…Ooh!" feedback when answer is incorrect (the player also lost 30 points, equaling the missed answer).
The app keeps track of high scores for a single user, but doesn’t provide useful feedback on progress.

Pros: Gentle feedback and no distractions.

Cons: It would be nice to do something other than times tables, and there’s not quite enough enticement to keep playing.

Bottom Line: Free, no-frills multiplication test app works for kids needing a quiet, gentle environment.

How Can I Teach with This Tool?

Multiple user profiles and some kind of progress tracking would be an improvement for classroom use, although kids could benefit from 5- to 10-minute blocks of straight practice. The banner ads are nearly always present, and although they're relatively unobtrusive, there really should be an option to pay to remove the ads.

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Standards:

Multiplication Genius is an effective but no-frills multiplication practice and test app. Students can select any combination of factors from 2 to 12 in practice mode but are tested on all in test mode. For each problem, students get 20 seconds. Answers given within two seconds get a "Perfect"; those within six get a "Good!"; and those within seven to 20 get a "So So." Incorrect answers or failure to answer elicit a cute audio "uh-oh," and the correct answer flashes.

On the main menu, kids can choose to review times tables (in a list format), to practice, or to play a game. In practice mode, kids choose any combination of factors (for instance, they can test themselves just on 2s), then proceed to play. Game mode presents random expressions and four multiple-choice answers. The score displays at the bottom of the screen, where kids can also see what question they're on and how much time they have left (they start with 20 seconds).

Through practice and testing, kids will assess their knowledge of multiplication facts and learn correct answers for ones they haven't mastered yet. High scores will keep some kids testing endlessly, as there are no levels or other data, but others may get bored. Times tables are provided, unlike with some other calculation apps, which is OK for skip counting memorization but less useful than the table format for seeing patterns.

If the app included division, and possibly addition and subtraction, it would provide a bit more useful depth. Levels or a reward system would provide a bit more closure and motivation as well.

Overall Rating
Engagement Would it motivate students and hold their interest? Is it visually appealing? Would it inspire teachers to try something new or change their instruction?

Simple graphics, cute audio, and gentle feedback all work, but high scores are not enough to draw kids in. The design feels unpolished.

Pedagogy Does the tool help teachers promote a more student-centered experience? Will students gain conceptual understanding or think critically? Does it deepen teachers’ pedagogical thinking?

Kids are empowered to focus on specific factors. A more responsive interface that leveled up could keep kids playing.

Support Can students and teachers get assistance when they need it? Is it created with people of different abilities and backgrounds in mind? Is learning reinforced and extended beyond the digital experience?

Providing more data on kids' progress would give Multiplication Genius a boost. It is a good app for easily distracted kids, although the banner ads can detract from the experience.

Common Sense reviewer
Leslie Crenna
See how we rate and review

Key Standards Supported

Number And Operations In Base Ten

  • 4.NBT.5

    Multiply a whole number of up to four digits by a one-digit whole number, and multiply two two-digit numbers, using strategies based on place value and the properties of operations. Illustrate and explain the calculation by using equations, rectangular arrays, and/or area models.

  • 5.NBT.5

    Fluently multiply multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm.

Operations And Algebraic Thinking

  • 3.OA.7

    Fluently multiply and divide within 100, using strategies such as the relationship between multiplication and division (e.g., knowing that 8 × 5 = 40, one knows 40 ÷ 5 = 8) or properties of operations. By the end of Grade 3, know from memory all products of two one-digit numbers.

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Community Rating

(See all 2 reviews) (2 reviews)
Featured review by
Denise C. , Media specialist/librarian
Media specialist/librarian
Carson Elementary School
San Diego, United States
Better than flashcards for rote practice of times-tables.
This app was installed on an Ipad and tested by 5th grade and 3rd grade students. Overall, students enjoyed the colorful interface and the positive feedback when questions are answered correctly. Students are prompted to answer simple multiplication problems within a time limit. My 5th grader felt it was below grade level and my 3rd grader felt it was right on grade level.
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