Get Online with Math!By: Christopher Vanderhorst

Description of Study● 3 Students selected to participate in a 3 week study

● The students were entering 3rd, 5th, and 9th grade

● Each student had an individual session that lasted 90 minutes

● We would look at different math tasks and use an online math tutor

● Students would be able to grade the online math tutor

What is an online math tutor?

An online math tutor in this study:● A math website● A video● A video game● An online calculator

*We did not consider a person that offers math lessons through distance learning to be considered an online math tutor.

The Big Questions

How do students interact and use online math tutors?

Can they effectively learn using online math tutors?

Do the students find these resources engaging in the learning process? Would they use the resource(s) again?

The Method for Research Part 1

Note: Each session focused on one individual at a time

● The student would be given a task that they had already performed● Then the student was to look at a preselected online math tutor ● The student could use the tutor(s) to aid them in solving the warm-up

problems.● The student would then judge the tutor based on a simple rubric

This phase of the session had lasted anywhere from 20 minutes to over 60 minutes.

Break

When I deemed the student to be done with the warm-up activity I would give the student time to discuss their feelings about the online math tutor and also allowed them a short break (3-5 minutes).

The Method for Research Part 2

*Students would now begin to learn a new concept they had not previously experienced.

● I would briefly describe the math concept with little detail● The student would visit one or all of the links that I had provided on a

worksheet. The student had the option of how many links to visit.● Each student would complete problems on their worksheet with assistance

of online math tutors up until they felt they no longer needed the extra help.● The before mentioned rubric would be completed with relation to the link(s)

chosen.

The Student Attitude Survey

● 30 questions long

● 5 responses could be chosen (SD, D, N, A, SA)

● Gave insight to subject’s feelings toward math and learning with technology

● Given before, and after, the study

Subject 1: 3rd grade student

● Had a firm grasp of math in relation to grade level

● Had a positive attitude toward online resources

● Had a neutral-positive attitude toward online math tutors in the beginning

● Attitude toward online math tutors was more positive at the end of the study

Subject 1: Interaction with online tutorsCommon issues with sampled tutors:● Navigating websites (finding the right material)● Determining difficulty with games● Large flashy text

Positives/Success with sampled tutors:● Watching various videos on Youtube● Playing games that were not always easy● When all resources were organized

Subject 2: 5th grade student

● Extremely into learning math

● Decent understanding of grade level content

● Had a very positive attitude toward online resources

● Attitude toward online math tutors was more positive at the end of the study

Subject 2: Interaction with online tutorsCommon issues with sampled tutors:● Too big of text (encouraged scrolling)● Unnatural enthusiasm● Flashy Colors● Navigating complex webpages

Positives/Success with sampled tutors:● Detailed videos followed by written text● Learned basics of PEMDAS in second session!● Trying challenging material with online tutors

A Short Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzA5QAoNwt0&t=0m38s

Subject 3: 9th grade student● Slightly above grade level in math

● Very independent in terms of homework

● Neutral attitude toward learning math

● Neutral-Negative attitude for learning math with online resources

Subject 3: Interaction with online tutors

Common Issues:● “Googling” specific questions● Not being able to ask questions● Understanding the process

Positives/Success:● Finding videos● Navigating features● Recalling math procedures

Implications to Consider

● The online tutor is engaging

● The online tutor is simple to navigate

● The online tutor is seen as a resource for help instead of answers.

● The online tutor is easy to begin using