The Affordances and Constraints of Mathematics Tutoring in Immersive, Collaborative, and Dynamic VI (Virtual Reality) Environments (Poster 18)

• In Event: Sunday Poster Session 11:25 am
  In Poster Session: Mathematics Education Poster Session

Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) technologies are being developed to support mathematics learning, but research has been scarce. Given the unprecedented investments being made in math tutoring because of the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding possibilities for VR tutoring is essential. We explore learning gains and affordances and constraints in a study of n=20 middle school students engaged in tutoring over multiple sessions. We found that students receiving VR tutoring outperformed the control group in measures of learning, with an effect size of 0.79. We also found that VR tutoring had affordances – like allowing for gesture, movement, mathematical play, and experience with three dimensions – as well as constraints – such as connection problems, issues with spatial reasoning, and a learning curve to use the technology.

Authors

• Candace A. Walkington, Southern Methodist University

• Maximilian Sherard, University of North Texas

• Prajakt Pande, Southern Methodist University

• LeaAnne Daughrity, Southern Methodist University

• Theodora Beauchamp, Southern Methodist University

• Anthony Cuevas, Southern Methodist University