Computer mediation of collaborative mathematical exploration

Two central principles of contemporary learning science theory (Stahl, Koschmann & Suthers, 2006) are: • Student learning involves construction of meaning by the learners (constructivism). • Learning often takes place originally inter-subjectively (socio-cultural theory). For learning in the discipline of mathematics, these principles imply: • Student exploration of mathematical issues should play a significant role in math education. • Collaborative approaches should be incorporated, in which small groups of students build mathematical understanding together. The field of computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) proposes that these aims could be furthered through the use of networked computers. Online collaboration environments can mediate activities designed to promote math learning in multiple ways. They can provide a workspace, representations of math objects and tools for manipulating the representations, to provide stimulating experiences of math exploration, discovery and meaning making. They can also provide communication media to support productive collaboration and the sharing of knowledge by individuals, small groups and larger communities, such as classrooms and communities of people interested in math.