Studying New Forms of Participation and Identity in Mathematics Classrooms with Integrated Communication and Representational Infrastructures

Abstract

Wireless networks are fast becoming ubiquitous in all aspects of society and the world economy. We describe a method for studying the impacts of combining such technology with dynamic, representationally-rich mathematics software, particularly on participation, expression and projection of identity from a local to a public, shared workspace. We describe the types of mathematical activities that can utilize such unique combinations of technologies. We outline specific discourse analytic methods  for measuring participation and methodologies for incorporating measures of identity and participation into impact studies.