Tablet technology to facilitate improved interaction and communication with students studying mathematics at a distance

New Search

Print Abstract

E-mail Abstract

Full Text

Save to My Collections

Export Citation

Galligan, L., Hobohm, C. & Loch, B. (2012). Tablet technology to facilitate improved interaction and communication with students studying mathematics at a distance. Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching, 31(4), 363-385. Chesapeake, VA: AACE.
Retrieved from http://www.editlib.org/p/40575.

• Share:
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Journal Information

Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching
ISSN 0731-9258
Volume 31, Issue 4, October 2012
Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE)  Chesapeake, VA

More Information on JCMST

Authors

Linda Galligan, Carola Hobohm, University of Southern Queensland, Australia; Birgit Loch, Swinburne University, Australia

Abstract

Teaching and learning of mathematics is challenging when lecturer and students are separated geographically. While student engagement and interaction with the course, with other students and with the lecturer is vital to mathematics learning, it is difficult to facilitate this electronically, because of the nature of mathematics. With tablet technology now becoming ubiquitous and many new and inexpensive models entering the market, it is timely to investigate how the distance student experience in mathematics can be impacted by the use of tablet technologies. This paper reports on a case study of a first year mathematics course at a regional Australian university, where distance students were provided with affordable tablet PCs. An investigation of the impact of this technology on engagement and interaction is at the centre of this study. Evidence from journals, students’ assessment submissions, screen snippets, student communication and formal student evaluations is analysed. It was found that distance students acknowledged the value of tablets for communicating mathematics, particularly for assignment submission and feedback, but they also recognized the potential for easier interaction with content and the lecturer. This paper highlights the specific benefits and challenges tablet PCs present to the learning experiences in mathematics within the distance context.

Also Read

• Designing with and for Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge: The Evolution of GeoThentic
• Using e-Learning Technologies in Developing Remeditainment Products for the Treatment of Children with Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD)
• Post degree online course in Haematopathology and e-Learning: description of an innovative curriculum in e-Learning
• Podcasts in Higher Education: What Students Want, What They Really Need, and How This Might be Supported
• Making Hypermedia Dynamic: Hypervideo for Teaching Technology and Interaction
• Using RSS in Collaborative Course Development
• Teaching for Success: Technology and Learning Styles in Preservice Teacher Education
• Reducing E-Learning Development Costs Using a Streamlined XML-based Approach
• Using Authentic Situations and Avatars to Build Knowledge in an E-Learning Environment
• Inspiring Learning and Teaching: Using e-tools to Facilitate Change

Tags