Studying New Forms of Participation and Identity in Mathematics Classrooms with Integrated Communication and Representational Infrastructures

• Published in: Educational studies in mathematics Vol. 68; no. 2; pp. 171 - 183
• Main Authors: Hegedus, Stephen J., Penuel, William R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer 01.06.2008; Springer Netherlands
• Subjects: Classroom activities; Classroom interaction; Classroom techniques; Computer Networks; Computer Software; Computer Uses in Education; Connectivity; Discourse Analysis; Education; Educational Technology; Mathematical functions; Mathematical objects; Mathematics; Mathematics curricula; Mathematics Education; Mathematics Instruction; Mathematics teachers; Participation; Research Methodology; Teachers; Deictic markers; Participation; Communication infrastructure; Intentionality; Wireless networks; Attention; Representational infrastructure; Networked classrooms; Identity; Flow
• ISSN: 0013-1954; 1573-0816
• DOI: 10.1007/s10649-008-9120-x

Wireless networks are fast becoming ubiquitous in all aspects of society and the world economy. We describe a method for studying the impacts of combining such technology with dynamic, representationally-rich mathematics software, particularly on participation, expression and projection of identity from a local to a public, shared workspace. We describe the types of mathematical activities that can utilize such unique combinations of technologies. We outline specific discourse analytic methods for measuring participation and methodologies for incorporating measures of identity and participation into impact studies.