Does the chalkboard still hold its own against modern technology in teaching mathematics? A case study

• Published in: International journal of mathematical education in science and technology Vol. 49; no. 6; pp. 809 - 823
• Main Authors: Billman, Anneli, Harding, Ansie, Engelbrecht, Johann
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Taylor & Francis 18.08.2018; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Addition & subtraction; attitudes and beliefs; Case Studies; chalkboard; Chalkboards; College Faculty; College Mathematics; Comparative Analysis; Culture; Educational technology; Foreign Countries; Gender Differences; Mathematical analysis; Mathematics; Mathematics Instruction; New technology; Preferences; Qualifications; Qualitative analysis; Qualitative Research; Questionnaires; Statistical Analysis; Teaching Methods; technology; Technology Integration; Technology Uses in Education; Technology utilization; Undergraduate mathematics; Undergraduate Students; Use Studies; South Africa
• ISSN: 0020-739X; 1464-5211
• DOI: 10.1080/0020739X.2018.1431852

The purpose of this case study is to explore the integration of technology into teaching at a mathematics department at a large South African University. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from staff teaching undergraduate mathematics. The study shows that many staff members feel that chalkboards are still more suitable than technology for teaching mathematics. This finding supports the idea of a strong subject culture. Age does not emerge as a determinant for preference of either technology or the chalkboard, although gender and academic qualifications do. Subject culture is strongly rooted under the male members of staff, while female staff members feel more positive towards the use of technology in teaching. Use of chalkboards has decreased significantly over the past 10 years, while the use of modern technologies has increased accordingly. Teaching of large groups has necessitated the use of technology in the classroom. Despite the strong subject culture, a shift in attitude towards technology use in teaching is noticed and there is a definite trend of moving towards using new technologies.