Learner perceptions of the introduction of computer-assisted learning in mathematics at a peri-urban school in South Africa

This study responded to a national call to improve the outcomes in mathematics in the Grade 12 matriculation examination in South Africa by reporting learners’ perceptions of the introduction of computer-assisted learning in their mathematics classrooms. Three Grade 12 mathematics classes in a peri-...

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Main Authors: Hartley, M., Treagust, David
Format: Journal Article
Published: Springer 2014
Subjects:
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/4836
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author Hartley, M.
Treagust, David
author_facet Hartley, M.
Treagust, David
author_sort Hartley, M.
building Curtin Institutional Repository
collection Online Access
description This study responded to a national call to improve the outcomes in mathematics in the Grade 12 matriculation examination in South Africa by reporting learners’ perceptions of the introduction of computer-assisted learning in their mathematics classrooms. Three Grade 12 mathematics classes in a peri-urban school in South Africa were visited over a period of 4 months to observe the inclusion of a computer centre as part of the teaching of mathematics. Learner perceptions were obtained from (1) individual and group interviews and (2) an actual and preferred version of a learning environment instrument called the Computer-Assisted Learning Environment Questionnaire, which was developed for the South African context. Learners indicated that they considered application of computers as a positive step as it (1) increased their involvement in the mathematics classroom, (2) gave them more exercises in problem solving in mathematics, and (3) provided them with the opportunity to assess their own learning. However, a strong recommendation from this response is for more computers to be made available in order to allow learners to work individually and thereby be able to spend more time using the computers.
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spelling curtin-20.500.11937-48362019-02-19T05:34:53Z Learner perceptions of the introduction of computer-assisted learning in mathematics at a peri-urban school in South Africa Hartley, M. Treagust, David IT-use Secondary case study Constructivism South Africa Computer-assisted learning Learner perceptions This study responded to a national call to improve the outcomes in mathematics in the Grade 12 matriculation examination in South Africa by reporting learners’ perceptions of the introduction of computer-assisted learning in their mathematics classrooms. Three Grade 12 mathematics classes in a peri-urban school in South Africa were visited over a period of 4 months to observe the inclusion of a computer centre as part of the teaching of mathematics. Learner perceptions were obtained from (1) individual and group interviews and (2) an actual and preferred version of a learning environment instrument called the Computer-Assisted Learning Environment Questionnaire, which was developed for the South African context. Learners indicated that they considered application of computers as a positive step as it (1) increased their involvement in the mathematics classroom, (2) gave them more exercises in problem solving in mathematics, and (3) provided them with the opportunity to assess their own learning. However, a strong recommendation from this response is for more computers to be made available in order to allow learners to work individually and thereby be able to spend more time using the computers. 2014 Journal Article http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/4836 10.1007/s10984-014-9157-y Springer fulltext
spellingShingle IT-use
Secondary case study
Constructivism
South Africa
Computer-assisted learning
Learner perceptions
Hartley, M.
Treagust, David
Learner perceptions of the introduction of computer-assisted learning in mathematics at a peri-urban school in South Africa
title Learner perceptions of the introduction of computer-assisted learning in mathematics at a peri-urban school in South Africa
title_full Learner perceptions of the introduction of computer-assisted learning in mathematics at a peri-urban school in South Africa
title_fullStr Learner perceptions of the introduction of computer-assisted learning in mathematics at a peri-urban school in South Africa
title_full_unstemmed Learner perceptions of the introduction of computer-assisted learning in mathematics at a peri-urban school in South Africa
title_short Learner perceptions of the introduction of computer-assisted learning in mathematics at a peri-urban school in South Africa
title_sort learner perceptions of the introduction of computer-assisted learning in mathematics at a peri-urban school in south africa
topic IT-use
Secondary case study
Constructivism
South Africa
Computer-assisted learning
Learner perceptions
url http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/4836