Enhancing mathematical modeling competencies through AI-powered VR

Area of Science:

• Mathematics Education
• Educational Technology
• Artificial Intelligence

Background:

• Improving students' problem-solving skills is a key goal in mathematics education.
• Problem-solving is linked to mathematical modeling competencies essential for daily life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the impact of an AI-supported VR instructional model on students' mathematical modeling competencies.
• To assess the effectiveness of AI-pVR on various components of modeling competence, including problem-solving thinking.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental mixed-design study involving 30 6th-grade students.
• An experimental group used an AI-pVR application, while a control group received traditional instruction.
• Quantitative data analyzed using independent samples t-tests and ANCOVA; qualitative data from observation and opinion forms.

Main Results:

• The AI-pVR intervention showed a significant large effect on overall mathematical modeling competencies (η² = 0.37).
• Sub-dimensions like problem simplification, mathematizing, and interpretation also demonstrated significant large effects.
• Students reported better understanding of the modeling process, from analyzing real-life problems to verifying results.

Conclusions:

• The AI-pVR instructional approach significantly enhanced students' mathematical modeling competencies and sub-dimensions.
• It is recommended to integrate AI applications into mathematics lessons and curriculum programs.
• AI-pVR shows potential for improving various student competencies in educational settings.