Cross-Reality Math Visualization

Abstract

Traditionally, the numeric symbols are introduced along with the alphabet. Dream Realizations believes that the introduction of numeric symbols is premature and prevents children from seeing the patterns that various numbers make. Research on subitizing substantiates the natural ability of the human eye to instantly “see” quantities. The early introduction of symbol and process prevents seeing the beautiful metapatterns of polynomials, which are easily recognized when mixed quantities are represented in different base systems: subQuanned. The authors have researched current math practices, math in virtual worlds, number sense, and subitizing to fortify the direction of their efforts. Their journey progresses from the physical (paper and cubes) to the virtual (online flash-based programming) to the immersive (3D in Second Life). This natural progression and ultimate visualization of quantity and metapattern lie in the immersive world. Individuals at all stages of learning can finally see and understand math from a very different vantage point.