Explorations of volume in a gesture-based virtual mathematics laboratory
Justin Dimmel & Camden Bock, University of Maine
3pm, Monday March 20th
Hill Auditorium
Abstract:
A room-scale virtual-reality environment was used to investigate students’ thinking in solid geometry. These environments offer native visualization of solids and gestural interfaces, combining affordances of physical manipulatives and dynamic geometry software from traditional desktop environments. Two students in graduate programs leading to certification in secondary science education investigated elongation and shearing of a pyramid in the virtual environment. Both participants used an analogy of volume to surface area and area to perimeter to make sense of the effects of the shearing operator. Mathematics education sits at a crossroads with emerging technologies; this study explored the potential for their use in practice.
About the presenters
Justin Dimmel is an assistant professor of mathematics education and instructional technology in the college of education and human development. He researches how digital modes of representing and interacting with mathematical objects affect student thinking and mathematical communication. Prior to his appointment at the University of Maine, Justin completed his Ph. D. in mathematics education at the University of Michigan.
Camden Bock is a research assistant in the College of Education and Human Development and the Maine Center for Research in STEM Education, pursuing a MST and PhD in STEM Education with concentrations in mathematics education. Camden works in the IMRE Lab, under the supervision of Assistant Professor Justin Dimmel to develop HandWaver, a room-scale gesture-based virtual environment for geometric manipulation. Prior to joining the IMRE Lab, Camden completed a B.S. in mathematics and certification in secondary mathematics education at Bates College in Lewiston.