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Transforming learning with computers: calculus for kids

The Calculus for Kids project was deliberately designed to use computers in the transformation of curriculum. The intervention used multi-media learning materials to assist teachers and Year 6 (aged 11–12 years) students understand the principles of integral calculus. They used Maple mathematics software to solve real-world problems using these principles and by employing conventional mathematics notation on their individual computers. Between June 2010 and April 2016, it was implemented in 23 classes at 19 schools involving 434 students. Two methods were used to calculate effect sizes of 22.19 (pre-test/post-test Cohen’s d) and 1.17 (age-maturation). Positive gains were also found in students’ attitudes, particularly in Technology confidence. This article discusses methods for calculating effect sizes for transformational education with computers and recommends further research in the field.

Funding

Australian Research Council

History

Publication title

Education and Information Technologies

Volume

25

Pagination

3779-3796

ISSN

1360-2357

Department/School

Faculty of Education

Publisher

Springer New York

Place of publication

United States

Rights statement

© 2020 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Learner and learning not elsewhere classified; Teaching and instruction technologies