using computer mediated discussion forum in learning mathematics

Using Computer Mediated Using Computer Mediated Discussion Forum in Discussion Forum in

Learning MathematicsLearning Mathematics

Victor TanVictor TanDepartment of MathematicsDepartment of Mathematics

National University of SingaporeNational University of Singapore

ATCM 2004Discussion Forum in Learning Mathematics

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Discussing MathematicsDiscussing Mathematics

••

Important part of learning processImportant part of learning process••

Share and articulate Mathematical IdeasShare and articulate Mathematical Ideas

••

Clarify misconceptionsClarify misconceptions••

Help to understand studentsHelp to understand students’’

problemproblem

••

Peer learningPeer learning

ATCM 2004Discussion Forum in Learning Mathematics -

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Why Students DonWhy Students Don’’t Discuss t Discuss in Math Classes?in Math Classes?

••

Feel intimidatedFeel intimidated••

Lack confidenceLack confidence

••

Do not want to Do not want to ““show offshow off””••

““Math classes are for copying solutionsMath classes are for copying solutions””


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Online Discussion ForumOnline Discussion Forum

IVLE (NUS)IVLE (NUS)


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Online Discussion ForumOnline Discussion Forum

(features)(features)

••

More than plain text inputMore than plain text input••

AttachmentAttachment

••

NotificationNotification••

AnonymityAnonymity

••

Usage informationUsage information

hyperlink

Type in the text here

table

graphicmath

symbols


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Anonymity OptionAnonymity Option


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Writing Mathematics on ForumWriting Mathematics on Forum

••

Improvise symbols and notationsImprovise symbols and notations••Using the Equation EditorUsing the Equation Editor


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••

Improvise symbols and notationsImprovise symbols and notations••

Using the Equation EditorUsing the Equation Editor


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••


Using the Equation Editor Using the Equation Editor

••

As graphicsAs graphics


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••


Using the Equation EditorUsing the Equation Editor

••

As graphicsAs graphics••

AttachmentAttachment


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Advantage of ForumAdvantage of Forum

••

Less intimidatingLess intimidating••

Encourage more students to discussEncourage more students to discuss

••

More time to digestMore time to digest••

Not restricted by time and space Not restricted by time and space

••

No limit to the number of participantsNo limit to the number of participants••

Easily integrating internet resourcesEasily integrating internet resources


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Limitation of ForumLimitation of Forum

••

No faceNo face--toto--face interactionface interaction••

(Still) not easy to type math symbols(Still) not easy to type math symbols

••

Small class limitationSmall class limitation••

Large class limitationLarge class limitation


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Format of ForumFormat of Forum

••

Free discussionFree discussion••

Structured discussionStructured discussion

••

Teacher initiated discussionTeacher initiated discussion••

Small group discussionSmall group discussion

••

Lecture feedbackLecture feedback


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Discussion Forum as AssessmentDiscussion Forum as Assessment

••

Based on quantity of postingsBased on quantity of postings••

Based on quality of postingsBased on quality of postings

••

Small weightageSmall weightage••

More structuredMore structured

••

Option of class participationOption of class participation


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Involvement of TeachersInvolvement of Teachers

••

Keep track of discussionKeep track of discussion••

Participate in the discussionParticipate in the discussion

••

Identify and summaries misconceptionsIdentify and summaries misconceptions••

Give encouragementGive encouragement


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StudentsStudents’’ ParticipationParticipation

•• free format, nonfree format, non--assessedassessed––

Visited the forum (70%)Visited the forum (70%)

––

Posted on the forum (20%)Posted on the forum (20%)

•• structured format, assessedstructured format, assessed––

Visited the forum (90%)Visited the forum (90%)

––

Posted on the forum (40%)Posted on the forum (40%)


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ConclusionConclusion

CM discussionCM discussion F2F discussionF2F discussion

Less intimidatingLess intimidating More intimidatingMore intimidating

Involve everyoneInvolve everyone Involve a fewInvolve a few

Difficult to write Difficult to write mathmath

Easier to write mathEasier to write math

More time to digest More time to digest and respondand respond

Timely respondTimely respond


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using computer mediated discussion forum in learning mathematics

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