Synchronous chat and electronic ink for distance support in mathematics

Article

Loch, Birgit and McDonald, Christine. 2007. "Synchronous chat and electronic ink for distance support in mathematics." Innovate: Journal of Online Education. 3 (3), pp. 1-5.
Article Title

Synchronous chat and electronic ink for distance support in mathematics

ERA Journal ID40815
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsLoch, Birgit (Author) and McDonald, Christine (Author)
Journal TitleInnovate: Journal of Online Education
Journal Citation3 (3), pp. 1-5
Number of Pages5
Year2007
Place of PublicationNorth Miami, FL. United States
ISSN1552-3233
Web Address (URL)http://www.innovateonline.info/index.php?view=article&id=374
Abstract

For online mathematics instructors, synchronous communication can be a challenge due to the need for specialized symbols, graphics, or notations to explain key concepts. While software tools exist to support such communication, they can often be cumbersome and time-consuming for users to adopt in online exchanges. As one way of addressing this problem, Birgit Loch and Christine McDonald investigate the feasibility of employing a freely available chat client for the teaching of mathematics to distance students. The distinctive value of this chat client comes from a handwriting or 'electronic ink' tool that allows users to create and edit mathematical formulae and diagrams rapidly in real time, thereby allowing for a more fluid pace of communication. To assess this tool, Loch and McDonald conducted a pilot study in two undergraduate mathematics-based courses taught at a distance; in this study the authors used the client in a series of online tutorials with student volunteers, and they then evaluated the quality of communication in the tutorials as well as the results of a survey administered to the students. The results indicate that while the tool may require some practice to use, it was sufficiently flexible to accommodate both textual and graphic-based communications; moreover, the students found it a valuable resource for online tutorials in the discipline. The authors conclude with a recommendation of this convenient tool as a viable option for online mathematics instructors.

Keywordselectronic ink; synchronous chat; distance education
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020460609. Networking and communications
390405. Educational technology and computing
390109. Mathematics and numeracy curriculum and pedagogy
Public Notes

This paper originally accepted for ICTM3 (3rd International Conference on Mathematics Education, 30 Jun-5 Jul 2006, Istanbul, Turkey.) The two versions are sufficiently different to warrant both versions being made available. Authors retain copyright of journal article.

Byline AffiliationsDepartment of Mathematics and Computing
Event3rd International Conference on Mathematics Education
Event Details
3rd International Conference on Mathematics Education
Event Date
30 Jun 2006 to end of 05 Jul 2006
Event Location
Istanbul, Turkey
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