Math trails through digital technology: an experience with pre-service teachers

Abstract

This paper describes part of an on-going study that aims to understand the potential of digital technology in outdoors mathematics from the perspective of pre-service teachers. We followed a qualitative approach and data was collected through observation, two questionnaires and photographic records. The study involved forty-eight participants that used Math City Map to do a math trail in the city centre of Viana do Castelo. Results show that they valued the experience, highlighting the possibility of solving realistic problems, developing cooperative work, critical thinking and the establishment of mathematical connections. They found the app to be user friendly and motivating, mentioning its contribution for students’ engagement through active learning, spatial orientation, autonomy and being more interactive then the paper version.