A boost to math learning at our fingertips?

The development of multi-touch surfaces has created opportunities for learning, including touchscreen desks. Researchers from Durham University in the UK have been exploring collaborative learning in mathematics using these desks. They created a group and whole-class multi-touch activity, called NumberNet, and in this article they describe their research into its effectiveness. In particular, they wanted to know whether it improved students' mathematical fluency and flexibility. Results from their quasi-experimental study of 86 students (44 using NumberNet, 42 using a paper-based comparison activity) indicated that while all students increased in fluency after completing these activities, students who used NumberNet also increased in flexibility.