Affordances of Computer-Based and Physical Geoboards in Problem-Solving Activities in the Middle Grades

A major finding of the research was that the computer-based and physical geoboards have different affordances. For example, the capability of putting a color inside a shape might be an affordance of the computer-based geoboard. Allowing students to make a shape easily, by just looking at its form, might be an affordance of the physical geoboard. Considering affordances of the two types of geoboards, this study suggests that the computer-based geoboard is an appropriate tool for a class designed to develop a formula for finding the area of a parallelogram by transforming a shape. The physical geoboard, on the other hand, has the potential to be a useful tool to help students develop the concept of area and learn ways to find the area of a rectangle and a square. Therefore, in order to maximize students learning in problem solving, these two types of geoboard should be used in complementary roles in the classroom. Research needs to be carried out to identify instructional activities that take advantages of the affordances of both kinds of geoboards.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Education

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Takahashi, Akihiko

Contributors dc:contributor

• Travers, Kenneth J.

• Education, Technology of

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3070452

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/79708