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 postAssessments.


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.
N
Std.
Deviation
Mean
3.8947
1.14962
SolvEqn
Minimum
Maximum
19
1.00
5.00
Graphing
19
3.00
5.00
4.4211
.76853
SystEqn
19
1.00
5.00
4.0526
1.22355
Transforms
19
1.00
5.00
4.2105
1.18223
ExpLog
19
1.00
5.00
3.1579
1.30227
QuadForm
19
1.00
5.00
3.8947
1.37011
GenAlg
19
1.00
5.00
3.8421
1.34425
Recommend
19
1.00
5.00
4.2632
.99119
EasyToUse
19
3.00
5.00
4.6316
.68399
Interesting
19
3.00
5.00
4.5789
.69248
Students rated each item on scale of 1 to 5
Upgrades
Experimental Setting
Mobile Tech isn’t going anywhere