Dynamic Haptic Geometry in Elementary and Undergraduate Classrooms

University Of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, North Dartmouth MA

Investigators

Abstract

This project combines the dynamic geometry environment of The Geometer's Sketchpad® with haptic technology, particularly force feedback devices. The project is creating a series of geometric activities specifically focused on 2D figures and shapes as well as some simple 3D surfaces and solids, to enable users of various ages to explore the properties of these objects with various senses. The project combines these technology goals with learning goals that aim to provide better access to a wider variety of students, including underrepresented groups, in science, engineering, and mathematics. The Principal Investigator (PI) will conduct a series of informal after-school experiments at the James J. Kaput Center for Research and Innovation in Mathematics Education and then develop formal classroom interventions with primary school students in local schools. The PI will also extend these activities to engineering and mathematics undergraduate classrooms at the University of Massachusetts. The project will document, using data collected from the technological environment and other instruments, how students discover properties of mathematical objects within this new environment and develop formal argumentation, how this varies across age group, and how it can be integrated into formal classroom settings. The data will also be used to refine the design of the system. The aim of the project is to discover what impact fusing a second modal input of feel to sight achieves in terms of engaging students of a variety of ages into exploring geometric concepts, and observe what kinds of mathematical activities can be designed that are significantly different to those using traditional forms of instruction. It will evaluate the practicality and educational benefits of integrating such technology. The project builds a new functionality on top of The Geometer's Sketchpad® software, and because of Sketchpad's huge impact and adoption by classrooms across the world holds the promise a potentially transformation of how mathematics, in particular geometric concepts, are understood by students.