The transition from classical to electronic textbooks seems to be a logical step in the digitization advancing worldwide. However, developing an e-book ought to be more than digitizing text: key features of computer-based learning environments such as interactive exercises, adaptive demands, or automatic feedback should be integrated to take advantage of the digitization. The "ALICE:fractions" project aims at designing and evaluating an interactive mathematics textbook for introducing fractions in the classroom. It is based on research in mathematics education and includes the elements just mentioned. This paper describes the electronic textbook's implementation and its theoretical background. Moreover, it introduces aspects that allow further information on learning processes to be gleaned. As an example, time on task is regarded in a study with 6th graders who used the electronic textbook in the classroom. Linear mixed models revealed a negative effect of time on task on task success. The effect was moderated by exercise difficulty and slightly by student competence: the effect was less pronounced in difficult exercises and for low-achieving students, whereas for high-achieving students or in easier exercises, the effect intensified.
This study addresses the pressing issue of how to raise the performance of disadvantaged students in mathematics. We combined established findings on effective instruction with emerging research addressing the specific needs of disadvantaged students. A sample of
N
= 260 disadvantaged 6th-graders received 4 weeks (15 lessons) of fraction instruction either as usual or evidence-based instruction, with and without digital learning support (i.e., interactivity, adaptivity, and immediate explanatory feedback). To examine the sustainability of effects, we assessed students’ fraction knowledge immediately after the 4 weeks and once again after a period of additional 8 weeks. Generalized linear mixed models revealed that students only benefitted from evidence-based instruction if digital support was available in addition. Digital support principles implemented in evidence-based instruction helped disadvantaged students to acquire mathematics knowledge—and to maintain this knowledge.
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