Early mathematics learning through exploration with programmable toys

Kate Highfield, Joanne Mulligan, John Hedberg

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceeding contributionpeer-review

Abstract

New technological toys, such as simple robotics, allow young children to engage with complex mathematical processes from an early age. This paper describes pilot data of two case study children, aged Jive and eight years, exploring a Bee-bot programmable toy. The dynamic capabilities of this tool enabled the children to engage in transformational geometry, iteration of the toy as a unit measure and semiotic processing. The children demonstrated development of problem-solving strategies and relational thinking to plan, program and manipulate the toy through a complex pathway. Their use of kinaesthetic motion mimicked their mathematical thinking and the process of programming the toy provided unique opportunities for action and reflection.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings Of The Joint Meeting Of Pme 32 And Pme-Na Xxx, Vol 3
EditorsOlimpia Figueras, Jose Luis Cortina, Silvia Alatorre, Teresa Rojano, Armando Sepulveda
Place of PublicationMexico
PublisherCinvestav-UMSNH
Pages169-176
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)9786079501327
Publication statusPublished - 2008
EventJoint Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (32nd : 2008) and the North American Chapter of the Psychology of Mathematics Education (30th : 2008) - Morelia, Mexico
Duration: 17 Jul 200821 Jul 2008

Publication series

NamePME Conference Proceedings
PublisherCinvestav-UMSNH
ISSN (Print)0771-100X

Conference

ConferenceJoint Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (32nd : 2008) and the North American Chapter of the Psychology of Mathematics Education (30th : 2008)
Country/TerritoryMexico
CityMorelia
Period17/07/0821/07/08

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