DOI: 10.4018/IJMBL.2019070101
International Journal of Mobile and Blended Learning
Volume 11 • Issue 3 • July-September 2019
Copyright © 2019, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited.
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Enhancing In-Service Primary
Teachers’ Technological, Pedagogical
and Content Knowledge on
Mobile Mathematics Learning
Loucas Fl. Tsouccas, European University Cyprus, Engomi, Cyprus
Maria Meletiou-Mavrotheris, European University Cyprus, Engomi, Cyprus
ABSTRACT
This article reports on the main insights from a study aimed at equipping a group of in-service
teachers with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience required to effectively integrate tablet
devices within the mathematics curriculum. A professional development program focused on mobile
mathematics learning and based on the Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK)
framework was designed and implemented in Cyprus. Six primary school teachers participated in
the program. Participants experimented with different ways in which coding apps, and other types of
constructivist mobile applications could help students internalize key mathematical concepts across the
primary curriculum. They also worked together to develop and/or deliver instructional interventions
integrating the use of mobile devices. Findings indicate a positive impact on in-service teachers’
perceptions regarding mobile-enhanced mathematics, and on their competence in productively utilizing
mobile apps as an instructional tool.
KEywoRdS
Coding Apps, Mathematics Education, Mobile Learning, Mobile Mathematics Learning, Mobile Technologies,
Primary School, Tablets, TPACK
INTRodUCTIoN
Since the introduction of the iPad in 2010, there has been a rapid adoption of tablet devices in
educational institutions worldwide. The hegemony and dominance of fixed personal computers is
diminishing quickly, making way for a variety of flexible, ubiquitous alternatives that have enormous
implications for learning, within both formal and informal settings (Burden et al., 2012). We are in
the midst of the timeframe where tablets and smartphones are becoming standard learning tools, and
adopting mobile devices in the classroom and beyond is becoming essential. Mobile mathematics
learning – which studies the ways in which the mobility of learners, augmented by suitable handheld
devices, can contribute to the process of gaining new scientific knowledge, skills and experiences
– has become a cutting-edge research area that has lately attracted considerable attention from the
mathematics education community.
Despite the increased interest in mobile devices as learning tools, the amount of available primary
research studies on their integration into mathematics teaching and learning is still relatively small due
to the novelty of these technologies. More research is needed to determine the best ways of utilizing