Drawing off the page: How new 3D technologies provide insight into cognitive and pedagogical assumptions about mathematics

Authors

Oi-Lam Ng
Nathalie Sinclair
Brent Davis

Volume

15

Issue

3

Abstract

Mathematics has a history of being a two-dimensional inscribing practice. We describe the potential evolution in doing, thinking, and learning mathematics with the emergence of a technological innovation that enables real-time 3D virtual and material interactions. Using the 3D drawing pen as a simple and recently available technology, we highlight how it helps re-think long-standing assumptions and dichotomies in mathematics education including, for example, the material distinction between diagram and manipulative, the semiotic distinction between icon and index, and the developmental progression of action-icon-symbol. We then speculate on the future possibilities of the shift in technological infrastructure that 3D pens and similar technology may give rise to.

First Page

563

Last Page

578

Recommended Citation

Ng, Oi-Lam; Sinclair, Nathalie; and Davis, Brent (2018) "Drawing off the page: How new 3D technologies provide insight into cognitive and pedagogical assumptions about mathematics," The Mathematics Enthusiast: Vol. 15 : No. 3 , Article 14.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54870/1551-3440.1445
Available at: https://scholarworks.umt.edu/tme/vol15/iss3/14

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.54870/1551-3440.1445