COVID-19 AND THE NEED FOR THE USE OF DIGITAL GAMEBASED LEARNING FOR TEACHING MATHEMATICS AT THE SAUDI ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS 1

The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has further underlined of significance of technology for the future of education. In spite of the unprecedented development in education, teaching and learning of mathematics is dominated by the conventional teacher-centred methods of teaching particularly in Saudi elementary schools. However, with Covid-19 forcing changes in educational system throughout the world, technology must be put in place in ensuring that learners continue to learn regardless of such situations. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the need of the use of digital game-based learning for the teaching of mathematics at the Saudi elementary schools. The paper uses qualitative in-depth interviews as the papers method of data collection to ascertain the need (or lack of it thereof) of adopting digital game-based learning for the teaching of mathematics at the elementary level. A total of 16 interviews were carried out which were thematically analyzed with the aid of NVivo software application. Findings of the paper revealed that the teachers believe that there is indeed need for the use of digital game-based learning for the teaching of arithmetic at the elementary school as it will improve methods and help pupils learn in a better and faster ways, combine learning, gaming and technology, and eliminate boredom usually students associate with mathematics learning. The paper concluded that mathematics teachers as well as students are in need of a radical approach that reduces boredom and makes the subject of mathematics appealing to learners.