Using Digital Avatars in Mathematics Instruction

July 10, 2013

Computer avatars may soon be used to help mathematics teachers communicate more effectively. With funding from the Institute of Education Sciences, Martha Alibali, Mitchell Nathan, and colleagues study instruction that makes connections among ideas in the domain of middle-school algebra. Part of their research employs a digital tool called GALE (Gesturing Avatar for Learning and Education). GALE uses a human-like avatar that teaches through speaking, gesturing, and writing. Using this tool will help researchers and educators understanding which kinds of communicating most effectively fosters student learning in mathematics. More information is available here.