The role of feedback when learning with a digital artifact

A theory networking case on multimodal algebra learning

Abstract

How digital feedback supports teaching/learning with a digital tool is not yet well understood. In a networking of theories approach, Activity Theory and the Instrumental Approach are combined to investigate the role of digital feedback for the teaching/learning of integers with the MAL-system, a multimodal algebra learning system. The MAL-system is designed as a multi- touch tangible user interface with feedback functions allowing students to mathematically operate with (negative) numbers represented as virtual tiles. We explore the role of digital feedback by a multi-case study at the grade five level, in which we conducted experimental task-based interviews of four student pairs, each supported by a tutor. Findings show that (digital) feedback mediates the teaching/learning activity in a supportive way. Reflection on the way the two theories are combined reveals that they can be regarded as locally integrated into a layered model enriching the describing of the transformation of teaching/learning mediated by digital feedback.