Online Collaborative Learning for Mathematics Education

Mandy Lo , Dr. Julie-Ann Edwards , 2 1 Dr. Christian Bokhove , Prof. Hugh Davis
1 2
1

Web Science DTC, 2Southampton Education School

Intro: Improving Online Education for Maths

Although the benefits of collaborative learning is well recognised [1], online collaborative learning (OCL) for mathematics education is scarce, despite the overwhelming success of other text-based subjects.

Current Progress
To date, the concept of MathPen has been proposed/ presentated at two international conferences (ICTMT11, PME37) with further invitations to present at nearby university. Software development for character recognition (as shown on the right) is now complete.

Theoretical Framework: Communication is Key

Demonstratable progress is now available live on the web [4]. The figure on the right shows the captured handwriting pattern, the internal stroke analysis and the last character recognised.

Further Work
The mathematical semantic parser and user interface is yet to be implemented. Thereafter, a hands-on workshop will be held in BCME8 [5] for professional feedback, followed by real life trials with partner schools towards the end of the project.

Collaborative Learning Cycle and Meaning Negotiation

The figure shows the importance of effective communication in the learning process [2]. Since mathematical notations have been identified as a barrier to online mathematical communication and that handwriting recognition has been proposed as a potential solution [3], this study aims to develop MathPen (a simple handwriting recongition system) and to investigate its potential in OCL for mathematics education.

By Mar 14': Design & develop mathematical semantics parser and user interface

Apr 14': Feedback from teachers, teacher educators & maths education researchers

Jun 14' onwards: Joint investigations and real life trial with partner schools

Data Collection: Impact on Teaching and Learning

Starting with technical development and feedback from maths education professionals, the study progresses to joint-investigations with partner schools and analysis according to established education framework to examine the teaching and learning value.

References
[1] Edwards, J. (2009). Socio-constructivist and Socio-cultural Lenses on Collaborative Peer Talk in a Secondary Mathematics Classroom. In Joubert, M. (Eds.) British Society for Research into Learning Mathematics 29:4954. [2] Harasim, L. (2011). Learning Theory and Online Technologies (p.208) [3] Lo, M. (2012). Toward a more pro-human web-based user interface for Mathematics (MathsPen): A feasibility study. Unpublished dissertation (Masters). University of Southampton. [4] Demo Page. http://www.mathpen.co.uk/ MathPen_WIP_Demo.html. [5] BCME8: The British Congress of Mathematics Education Conference 8: http://www.bcme8.org/