With the study reported on here we investigated the experiences of Grade 8 mathematics learners with technology-supported cooperative learning (TSCL) as a means of enhancing self-directed learning (SDL) in paperless classrooms. The study was conducted in 2 suburban schools in North West, 1 of the 9 provinces of South Africa. We targeted mathematics lessons in which all learners used a personal tablet in coordinated cooperative learning (CL) settings. The study was part of a wider mixed methods project but in this article we present the results from the qualitative strand. The data were gathered from semi-structured interviews with 11 participants (6 male and 5 female), classroom observations, and a reflective research journal. These instruments were employed to document the learners’ points of view, classroom interactions, and our insight into the implementation of TSCL. Data were thematically analysed and triangulated in relation to all data sources for increased credibility and confirmability. We report on 3 interrelated findings: (1) TSCL enhanced SDL through increased learner engagement and enjoyment that in turn resulted in higher levels of ownership of learning; (2) collaborative, multimodal tasks facilitated conceptual understanding and peer explanation – a phenomenon at the heart of both CL and SDL; (3) ongoing challenges such as unstable connectivity, device glitches and uneven group participation restricted the intervention’s reach. We suggest that well-designed cooperative tasks, clearly assigned roles, and offline versions may enhance cooperation and SDL in mathematics classrooms. Although the study was constrained by its small, purposive sample and situated focus, it offers contextually specific evidence about the ways in which TSCL can support learner engagement, interaction and independence in mathematics education.

https://doi.org/10.15700/saje.v46n2a2614

ORCiD iDs of authors:
Gordon Keabetswe Sekano - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6232-3695
Dorothy Laubscher – https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9067-437X
Roxanne Bailey - https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5326-274X