The Influence of Online Mathematics Activity on Elementary School Students' Engagement and Learning in a High-Needs Contexts

Abstract

Equity in mathematics involves giving students opportunities to learn that simultaneously develops their mathematical identity, gives them access to high quality learning experiences, gives them power and agency of their learning, and increases the likelihood of their mathematics achievement (Gutiérrez, 2009). This chapter describes the findings of an exploratory study that examined fourth grade students' use of an online mathematics activity, Thinking Blocks from Math Playground, and the influence of the activity on their learner engagement and their achievement on a mathematics assessment. Findings indicated that the activity positively influenced students' engagement in mathematics and led to gains on the assessment of mathematics achievement. This study provides the beginning of evidence that online instructional activities can increase learners' engagement and their understanding of mathematics concepts.