Struggles and Growth in Mathematics Education: Reflections by Three Generations of Mathematicians On The Creation of the Computer Game E-Brock Bugs

Abstract

In the Fall of 2013 our team of three different generations of mathematicians launched the free, online E-Brock Bugs mathematics computer game {[}5] which we developed from an original probabilistic board game, Brock Bugs, and its digital learning object version. We constructed E-Brock Bugs using Devlin's {[}9] mathematics computer game design principles for games that prompt players' development of mathematical thinking. As we created E-Brock Bugs we found it necessary to go through an evolving cyclic process of design, implementation, and analysis. In this paper we reflect upon the main struggles we faced in this process and the unexpected personal growth that ensued in terms of our views and beliefs as mathematics educators.