Implications and practical applicationsThe use of computer-animated, self-directed learning number-sense activities was successful in helping children enhance their number-sense performance and increase their uses of a higher order learning skill: number sense. The animated self-directed learning units for number sense can be made easily accessible at school or at home to any interested students through a web site on the world-wide web. Students can self-learn online without additional teachers’ preparation or instruction time. These technology-based learning activities can also serve as supplemental learning materials in order to offer students extra opportunities to explore and develop number sense.LimitationsThere are two main limitations of the current study. The first is that due to limited time and resources available, merely two intact classes were involved in the study. Therefore, generality of its results may need additional empirical evidences in other school settings. The second limitation relates to the extent to which the main aspects of number sense were investigated in the study. Only five aspects of number sense were covered, generality of the result to uncovered aspects of number sense may not be valid.