"Use Google as a Tool": Students' Use of Online Resources for Undergraduate Mathematics Classes

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Research on the Teaching and Learning of Undergraduate Mathematics

Abstract

I report on an explanatory multi-method (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2011) research project that examines how undergraduate students in mathematics courses make use of online resources in order to assist with their studies. This report is drawn from surveys administered to 108 students at 14 undergraduate institutions. Initial findings suggest that students make use of online resources (beyond those assigned by the instructor) extensively and predominately in two different ways: answer engines are used to check student work and video lectures are used to solidify student understanding. More generally, I present evidence that students are using these internet in tactical ways with an awareness of the dangers of over-reliance on such resources.

Author

• Ander Willard Erickson, University of Washington - Tacoma