Abstract:
Many mathematics educators share a view of mathematics as a social and cultural
phenomenon and believe that the learning of mathematics concepts is developed and
enhanced through the use of learning communities. Electronic discussion boards provide one
avenue for supporting such social learning. This paper discusses the use of a Question and
Answer section of a discussion board in a first year mathematics education subject for
primary student teachers, and the way in which this facility fits with ideas of social learning.
Theoretical perspectives of social learning in mathematics through the use of an electronic
community are explored. Examples are given of how learning was developed through
questions and answers in the mathematics education subject and insights shared regarding the
various uses of this facility by the students. Issues related to participation, peer
misconceptions, learning styles and teacher intervention are raised and discussed. The paper
concludes that for students who are comfortable with the use of electronic conferencing, there
is value in Question and Answer facilities in raising autonomy and supporting conceptual
understanding of mathematical concepts, but that the medium does not suit all learners of
mathematics.
