Investigating the Mathematical Discourse of Young Learners Involved in Multi-Modal Mathematical Investigations: The Case of Haptic Technologies

In this chapter, we examined the experiences of 10-year old (fourth grade) students in the United States involved in a dynamic multi-modal environment as they explored the characteristics of 3D geometrical shapes. The environment we developed provided visual and physical feedback to students through the PHANTOM Omni® haptic device. This dynamic multi-modal environment enabled semiotic mediation where meanings are generated and substantiated through social interaction as students worked in groups. Adhering to a socio-cultural theoretical perspective, we mainly focused on students’ discourse when exploring the affordances of multi-modal technologies in their mathematical experiences. Our preliminary findings indicated that such technologies have the potential to present students with the opportunities to explore 3D objects through multiple perceptions, supporting meaningful discourse as students engage in mathematical activities such as exploring, conjecturing, negotiating meaning, and sense-making.

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