Addressing the Math-Practice Gap in Elementary School: Are Tablets a Feasible Tool for Informal Math Practice?

Area of Science:

• Educational Technology
• Child Development
• Mathematics Education

Background:

• Students often lack math practice outside of school, creating a
• math-practice gap
• contributing to learning difficulties.
• Addressing this gap is crucial for improving math proficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of math applications on tablets to motivate informal math practice among elementary school students.
• To assess the feasibility and engagement levels of tablet-based math interventions in diverse community settings.

Main Methods:

• A community-based participatory research design was employed.
• Partnerships were formed with three education agencies serving low-SES elementary students.
• Tablet use for math practice was examined across different settings (in-school, after-school, summer).

Main Results:

• Tablet-based math practice proved engaging for young children across various settings, ages, and math topics.
• Student engagement was significantly influenced by the presence of supportive adults facilitating the online math practice.

Conclusions:

• Math apps on tablets present a promising solution to the math-practice gap.
• The effectiveness of digital math interventions is enhanced by adult facilitation and support.