Using a Mobile Application to Teach Mathematics to Learners with Special Educational Needs: Exploring Teachers’ Experiences

Mathematics apps are increasingly being used to help learners improve their mathematics skills. The debate on their effectiveness suggests that they offer learners a personalized learning experience and the flexibility to learn anywhere and anytime. However, previous evaluation literature has demon...

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Main Authors: Zandile Mboneni, Johannes Cronje
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha 2024-11-01
Series:Journal of Education Technology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://ejournal.undiksha.ac.id/index.php/JET/article/view/86673
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author Zandile Mboneni
Johannes Cronje
author_facet Zandile Mboneni
Johannes Cronje
author_sort Zandile Mboneni
collection DOAJ
description Mathematics apps are increasingly being used to help learners improve their mathematics skills. The debate on their effectiveness suggests that they offer learners a personalized learning experience and the flexibility to learn anywhere and anytime. However, previous evaluation literature has demonstrated the effectiveness of mobile apps from learners’ perspectives. However, it offers little insight into how teachers view the use of mathematics apps to support learners with special educational needs, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to analyze the experiences of secondary school teachers using the Siyavula app to improve the mathematics skills of learners with special educational needs. The study used a qualitative case study methodology. The sample included two female and two male teachers, with two male participants having more than 25 years of teaching experience. The data collection method used semi-structured interviews. The data collection instrument used a questionnaire. The data analysis technique used qualitative descriptive analysis. The study results showed that teachers faced more challenges than benefits when using Siyavula, including technical issues, overwhelming content, and limited adaptability to varying learner needs. Despite these challenges, teachers recognized the potential of Siyavula, particularly its detailed progress-tracking capabilities. This study provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of integrating technology into mathematics education for learners with special educational needs.
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spelling doaj-art-eade840a7eec4ab6afa168e934f8a9ae2025-08-20T03:11:57ZengUniversitas Pendidikan GaneshaJournal of Education Technology2549-48562549-82902024-11-018410.23887/jet.v8i4.86673Using a Mobile Application to Teach Mathematics to Learners with Special Educational Needs: Exploring Teachers’ ExperiencesZandile Mboneni0Johannes Cronje1Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyCape Peninsula University of Technology Mathematics apps are increasingly being used to help learners improve their mathematics skills. The debate on their effectiveness suggests that they offer learners a personalized learning experience and the flexibility to learn anywhere and anytime. However, previous evaluation literature has demonstrated the effectiveness of mobile apps from learners’ perspectives. However, it offers little insight into how teachers view the use of mathematics apps to support learners with special educational needs, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to analyze the experiences of secondary school teachers using the Siyavula app to improve the mathematics skills of learners with special educational needs. The study used a qualitative case study methodology. The sample included two female and two male teachers, with two male participants having more than 25 years of teaching experience. The data collection method used semi-structured interviews. The data collection instrument used a questionnaire. The data analysis technique used qualitative descriptive analysis. The study results showed that teachers faced more challenges than benefits when using Siyavula, including technical issues, overwhelming content, and limited adaptability to varying learner needs. Despite these challenges, teachers recognized the potential of Siyavula, particularly its detailed progress-tracking capabilities. This study provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of integrating technology into mathematics education for learners with special educational needs. https://ejournal.undiksha.ac.id/index.php/JET/article/view/86673Mathematics EducationMobile applicationsuser experienceTeachersSpecial Educational Needs
spellingShingle Zandile Mboneni
Johannes Cronje
Using a Mobile Application to Teach Mathematics to Learners with Special Educational Needs: Exploring Teachers’ Experiences
Journal of Education Technology
Mathematics Education
Mobile applications
user experience
Teachers
Special Educational Needs
title Using a Mobile Application to Teach Mathematics to Learners with Special Educational Needs: Exploring Teachers’ Experiences
title_full Using a Mobile Application to Teach Mathematics to Learners with Special Educational Needs: Exploring Teachers’ Experiences
title_fullStr Using a Mobile Application to Teach Mathematics to Learners with Special Educational Needs: Exploring Teachers’ Experiences
title_full_unstemmed Using a Mobile Application to Teach Mathematics to Learners with Special Educational Needs: Exploring Teachers’ Experiences
title_short Using a Mobile Application to Teach Mathematics to Learners with Special Educational Needs: Exploring Teachers’ Experiences
title_sort using a mobile application to teach mathematics to learners with special educational needs exploring teachers experiences
topic Mathematics Education
Mobile applications
user experience
Teachers
Special Educational Needs
url https://ejournal.undiksha.ac.id/index.php/JET/article/view/86673
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AT johannescronje usingamobileapplicationtoteachmathematicstolearnerswithspecialeducationalneedsexploringteachersexperiences