Number Race 2.3.4

The Number Race is an educational tool created by Anna Wilson and Stanisław Dehaene in order to provide assistance in treating dyscalculia in children aged 4-8, as well as to teach kindergarten children the basics of mathematics. The program has been based on the state-of-the-art knowledge related to the number recognition in children.

Despite this slightly complex-sounding introduction, the Number Race is user-friendly and very easy to use. Its main aim is to develop the ability to recognize the Arabic digits by means of analyzing single examples, comparing the numbers, counting and doing simple mathematic operations. A child uses the program by means of a board on which they compete with the computer in order to get the highest number of points, doing the operations mentioned above. The program monitors and analyzes the child’s progress and their skills, automatically adjusting the level to the child’s abilities. Tests have proved that the program considerably improves a child’ mathematical skills when used for five weeks (10 hours in total). However, because of its limited scope involving only the most basic mathematical operations and recognition of the Arabic numerals, it can only be used as an assisting tool and not a form of treatment of this particular disorder.

Its interface is user-friendly and easy to use. Because the program’s code is based on the Java language, it is also a multiplatform and universal application. However, please note that in order for the program to function properly, it is necessary to download the appropriate language package from the program’s website.