ERIC Number: EJ1029253
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014-Jan
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1093-023X
EISSN: N/A
Learning by Choosing: Fourth Graders Use of an Online Multimedia Tutoring System for Math Problem Solving
Maloy, Robert W.; Razzaq, Leena; Edwards, Sharon A.
Journal of Interactive Learning Research, v25 n1 p51-64 Jan 2014
This study explored the use of an online mathematics tutoring system in eight fourth grade classrooms in two Massachusetts communities--a small rural city with a low 2010 Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) math performance rating and a small suburban district with a high 2010 AYP math performance rating. 165 fourth graders completed 11 modules consisting a pre-test, practice session, and post-test using topics from the Massachusetts math curriculum framework. During practice sessions, students had the choice to consult four online coaches--Estella Explainer, Chef Math Bear, How-to-Hound, or Visual Vicuna--who presented math problem solving strategies from different points of view. Students in both communities showed an average of 23.5% gain from pre-test to post-test across all modules. Girls slightly outgained boys while students below grade level in mathematics performed as well as on-grade level students. Students who used the system in two separate time periods showed a significant mean gain from fall to spring. Visual Vicuna was the most preferred coach, but students in the low AYP community used Estella Explainer and How-to-Hound twice as often in the spring than the fall. Students who completed a pre and post survey showed increased confidence in their ability to do math.
Descriptors: Intelligent Tutoring Systems, Multimedia Instruction, Mathematics Instruction, Elementary School Mathematics, Grade 4, Elementary School Students, Electronic Learning, Rural Schools, Suburban Schools, Problem Solving, Selection, Pretests Posttests, Instructional Effectiveness, Gender Differences, Mathematics Achievement, Self Esteem
Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education. P.O. Box 1545, Chesapeake, VA 23327. Tel: 757-366-5606; Fax: 703-997-8760; e-mail: info@aace.org; Web site: http://www.aace.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Intermediate Grades; Grade 4
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Massachusetts
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A