Visualising Formula Structures to Support Exploratory Modelling

Chris Roast, Roxanne Leitão, Michael Gunning

2016

Abstract

Visualisation is often presented as a means of simplifying information and helping people understand complex data. In this paper we describe a project designing interactive visualisations to support learner competencies in the broad area of numeracy. The work builds upon: (i) the observation that while spreadsheets are traditional ICT tools, their familiarity means that they are used for exploratory mathematical modelling; (ii) a research theme examining the human factors that influence the ease with which formal notations can be understood and applied appropriately. Our paper describes the iterative design and evaluation of a tool to visualise spreadsheets, with the aim of supporting mid-teen learners based on the premise that spreadsheets serve as a gateway tool for supporting learner experimentation and confidence within numerate subjects. This iterative process is informed by background research into notational design, graphic design as well as learner and tutor feedback.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Roast C., Leitão R. and Gunning M. (2016). Visualising Formula Structures to Support Exploratory Modelling . In Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 1: CSEDU, ISBN 978-989-758-179-3, pages 383-390. DOI: 10.5220/0005812303830390

in Bibtex Style

@conference{csedu16,
author={Chris Roast and Roxanne Leitão and Michael Gunning},
title={Visualising Formula Structures to Support Exploratory Modelling},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 1: CSEDU,},
year={2016},
pages={383-390},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0005812303830390},
isbn={978-989-758-179-3},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF
JO - Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 1: CSEDU,
TI - Visualising Formula Structures to Support Exploratory Modelling
SN - 978-989-758-179-3
AU - Roast C.
AU - Leitão R.
AU - Gunning M.
PY - 2016
SP - 383
EP - 390
DO - 10.5220/0005812303830390