Synchronous chat and electronic ink for distance support in mathematics
Article
Article Title | Synchronous chat and electronic ink for distance support in mathematics |
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ERA Journal ID | 40815 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Loch, Birgit (Author) and McDonald, Christine (Author) |
Journal Title | Innovate: Journal of Online Education |
Journal Citation | 3 (3), pp. 1-5 |
Number of Pages | 5 |
Year | 2007 |
Place of Publication | North Miami, FL. United States |
ISSN | 1552-3233 |
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. |
Keywords | electronic ink; synchronous chat; distance education |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 460609. 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 Affiliations | Department of Mathematics and Computing |
Event | 3rd 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 |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/9xz22/synchronous-chat-and-electronic-ink-for-distance-support-in-mathematics
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