The College Algebra iPad Project Northeastern State University Luke Foster

 In the spring semester of 2011 at NSU, multiple research projects were undertaken involving iPads in the classroom. The purpose of one project was to determine whether the use of an iPad in a College Algebra classroom significantly improves students' level of understanding of algebra concepts.

 The study investigated the effect, if any, that the iPad has on students’ understanding of factoring, solving equations, zeroes, graphing, systems of equations and transformations.

 Algebra topics were chosen by the investigator based on the availability of mathematical apps determined to be of some help to students.

 Quantitative data was collected using the Algebra Assessment. Qualitative data from interviews were used to elaborate on the findings of the Assessments.  Participants in both the control group and the experimental group completed pre- and post-assessments.  Participants in the experimental group completed interviews and exit surveys.

 The analysis of the data yielded some surprising results. It was determined that there was a significant difference between the scores of the experimental group and control group--but in the wrong direction. The control group scored significantly better than the experimental group on the post- Assessments.

 Every interview participant rated her/his experience with the course and iPad in the course as positive and helpful.  Each interviewee felt that the inclusion of the iPad into the college algebra course was effectual.

NMinimumMaximumMean Std. Deviation SolvEqn Graphing SystEqn Transforms ExpLog QuadForm GenAlg Recommend EasyToUse Interesting Students rated each item on scale of 1 to 5

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Experimental Setting

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