The present pilot study aims to develop and evaluate the effects of a new digital device – the
calculator MagiCal – in enhancing children’s math learning. MagiCal is designed to integrate
the symbolic and non-symbolic representation of numbers, as well as motor activity Twentynine children from second grade were randomly assigned to a training group with MagiCal or
to an active control group (literacy training). Children’s math abilities (math fluency, written
computation, and number comparison), math anxiety and test anxiety were measured before and
after the training. Compared to the active control group, the children of the MagiCal group
demonstrated a significant improvement in math fluency and written computation. However, no differences were observed in comparing numbers, math anxiety and text anxiety in the two groups.
