Student Collaboration in Blending Digital Technology in the Learning of Mathematics

Abstract

The use of the Internet in educational contexts has been growing rapidly in recent years, and a prominent developing trend has been the use of digital technology to promote collaboration in the learning of mathematics. In this chapter, we describe how the Internet is transforming the mathematics classroom from the conventional confined cubical shape to expand into the lives of students in an increasingly informal sense, distinct from the more formalized contexts of previous years. We discuss the role of the Internet in the process of developing students into independent learners through the different forms of blended learning and how humans and media interact in the learning process. A variety of social learning networks, such as learning management systems and personal learning environments, are employed in this collaborative learning process. In today’s learning environment, social media are playing an increasingly important role. We elaborate on how social media tools can be combined with the best practices in teaching and contribute effectively to student engagement, for example, in the process of establishing communities of practice. Further, while social media and many of the Internet tools discussed have undoubted value in the promotion of collaboration, we raise some questions as to how this might contribute to better understanding of mathematics and how we might identify and develop such benefits. The use of hyperpersonalization of learning, a new trend that becomes possible when introducing adaptive hypermedia into the education process, is also addressed. Finally, we discuss the role of collaboration in online assessment. We conclude the chapter by identifying trends for future research regarding theoretical and methodological aspects and recognize new opportunities requiring further investigation.