Students' perceptions of learning mathematics with cellular phones and applets

Abstract

This paper describes the perceptions of middle school students regarding learning mathematics with cellular phones and web applets, their perceptions regarding the differences between these two electronic devices and their preferences regarding using the devices in learning mathematics. To analyze these perceptions I used the grounded theory approach which involves: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding, where the unit of analysis was the sentence in each of the interviews. The research findings imply that the participants perceived different aspects of both of the electronic devices: the availability of the device, the collaborative aspect, the communication aspect, the size of the device, and the usability of the device. These aspects influenced the participants' decisions when, where and how to use each of the devices for the learning of mathematics. More participants preferred the cellular phone over the applet primarily for its small size which makes easy its portability as well as for its communication facilities.