Visual Technology for the Autonomous Learning of Mathematics
VITALmaths is a multilingual collaborative research and development project between the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) and Rhodes University in South Africa. The VITALmaths project produces short video clips specifically designed for the autonomous learning of Mathematics. These intellectually and visually appealing video clips are short (typically 1-3 minutes long) and specifically make use of natural materials to animate and develop a variety of mathematical concepts and processes. These video clips can be used in the preparation of lessons, for personal conceptualisation of mathematical concepts, and as motivational, exploratory and explanatory tools. The emphasis of VITALmaths is for teachers and students to use the video clips as autonomously and independently as they wish. Feedback from users will be utilised to continuously refine the design principles of the video clips through cyclical feedback process. The videoclips can be freely downloaded in two formats. The MP4 format is suitable for PCs, iPods and iPhones, while the 3G2 format is designed specifically for use on older mobile phones that do not support MP4.
Integral to the VITALmaths project is a research agenda which seeks to investigate the efficacy and implementation of this growing databank of video clips. If you would like to learn more about VITALmaths, have suggestions for further video clips, or would like to share your experiences with using these video clips, we would greatly value your comments and feedback.
Project Directors
Marc Schafer and Helmut Linneweber-Lammerskitten
Prof Dr Helmut Linneweber-Lammerskitten: helmut.linneweber@fhnw.ch
Prof Marc Schafer: m.schafer@ru.ac.za
Researchers
Matthias and Rebekka Frey and Duncan Samson design and create the video resources for VITALmaths. Any suggestions or feedback on the video clips should be sent to Duncan Samson: d.samson@ru.ac.za.
Students
Gerhard Ndafenongo and Janet Hyde completed their masters degrees at Rhodes University in 2011. Their research projects were both investigations of how teachers and learners made use of VITALmaths clips on cellphones to support teaching and learning of Mathematics in selected South African secondary schools.
