How to use Zoom to collect data in mathematics educational research: A case study in assessing students’ online mathematics learning

Davy Tsz Kit NG, Xiaoxuan FANG

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlespeer-review

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers faced challenges conducting data collection. However, emerging communication technologies, such as web-conferencing platforms, provided an alternative mode of data collection. Among these platforms, Zoom stands out for its functional affordances and unique features that support data collection methods, including screen-capturing, digital photography, drawing, polling, and artifact-based interviews, which attempt to reveal a child's viewpoint and ability. In this article, we explore the feasibility of using Zoom to conduct educational research by investigating the mathematical learning experience among 26 primary 1 and 2 students in Hong Kong on two topics—understanding time and addition and subtraction. Five mathematics teachers were recruited to participate in 2-month online workshops with assessments among three groups of students to understand the suitability for data collection. Based on teachers’ observations and students’ responses, our findings suggest that Zoom is a viable and effective tool for qualitative data collection. It offers a cost-effective method for researchers and educators to examine students’ mathematical performance in an online environment. We also investigate students’ perceptions of online assessment strategies, perceived usefulness of various Zoom functions, and explore the benefits and challenges teachers and students perceived throughout mathematical education using Zoom. However, several technical difficulties were encountered, such as the digital literacy gap and privacy concerns. Therefore, improving students’ digital literacy for remote learning and triangulation is important for online mathematical data collection and assessments. Copyright © 2023 The Author(s).
Original languageEnglish
Article number274-298
JournalAsian Journal for Mathematics Education
Volume2
Issue number3
Early online dateJul 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2023

Citation

Ng, D. T. K., & Fang, X. (2023). How to use Zoom to collect data in mathematics educational research: A case study in assessing students’ online mathematics learning. Asian Journal for Mathematics Education, 2(3), 274-298. https://doi.org/10.1177/27527263231188638

Keywords

  • Digital literacy
  • Web-conferencing
  • Zoom
  • Online learning
  • Primary mathematics
  • PG student publication

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