Investigating Student Use of Electronic Support Tools and Mathematical Reasoning

Kristina N. Higgins; Lindy Crawford; Jacqueline Huscroft-D’Angelo; Mark Horney

doi:10.30935/cedtech/6160

Kristina N. Higgins ¹ ^*, Lindy Crawford ², Jacqueline Huscroft-D’Angelo ³, Mark Horney ⁴

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CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 7, Issue 1, pp. 1-24

https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/6160

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Abstract

Mathematical reasoning involves comprehending mathematical information and concepts in a logical way and forming conclusions and generalizations based on this comprehension. Computer-based learning has been incorporated into classrooms across the country, and specific aspects of technology need to be studied to determine how programs are influencing student reasoning and learning. This article explores how one aspect of computer-based learning, electronic support tools (ESTs), influences students’ mathematical reasoning over the course of an online supplemental mathematics program, the Math Learning Companion (MLC). Students in Grades 3, 4, and 5 (N = 31) from two private schools participated in MLC, and their reasoning was assessed before and after participating in the program. EST use was measured by using frequency counts for each tool. Results describe students’ tool use and reflect an overall change in their reasoning over the course of the intervention, indicating that students use ESTs as needed to individualize the learning program. Students specifically used ESTs as needed to improve their mathematical reasoning, their correctness of response, and their mathematical explanations of their answers over the course of the intervention.

Keywords: Mathematical reasoning, Computer-based instruction, Electronic support tools, Mathematics education

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Citation

Higgins, K. N., Crawford, L., Huscroft-D’Angelo, J., & Horney, M. (2016). Investigating Student Use of Electronic Support Tools and Mathematical Reasoning. Contemporary Educational Technology, 7(1), 1-24. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/6160

Higgins, K. N., Crawford, L., Huscroft-D’Angelo, J., and Horney, M. (2016). Investigating Student Use of Electronic Support Tools and Mathematical Reasoning. Contemporary Educational Technology, 7(1), pp. 1-24. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/6160

Higgins KN, Crawford L, Huscroft-D’Angelo J, Horney M. Investigating Student Use of Electronic Support Tools and Mathematical Reasoning. CONT ED TECHNOLOGY. 2016;7(1), 1-24. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/6160

Higgins, Kristina N., Lindy Crawford, Jacqueline Huscroft-D’Angelo, and Mark Horney. "Investigating Student Use of Electronic Support Tools and Mathematical Reasoning". Contemporary Educational Technology 2016 7 no. 1 (2016): 1-24. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/6160

Higgins, Kristina N. et al. "Investigating Student Use of Electronic Support Tools and Mathematical Reasoning". Contemporary Educational Technology, vol. 7, no. 1, 2016, pp. 1-24. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/6160

Higgins KN, Crawford L, Huscroft-D’Angelo J, Horney M. Investigating Student Use of Electronic Support Tools and Mathematical Reasoning. CONT ED TECHNOLOGY. 2016;7(1):1-24. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/6160