Research Article
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Effect of Virtual Manipulatives on Students Academic Success in Teaching Integers

Year 2025, Volume: 13 Issue: 26, 1320 - 1340

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of virtual manipulatives on 7th-grade students’ academic achievement in the multiplication and division of integers. A quasi-experimental design with a post-test control group was employed. The study involved 30 students assigned to experimental and control groups based on readiness level equivalence. The experimental group received instruction supported by virtual manipulatives, while the control group was taught using traditional teacher-centered methods. Data were collected through a readiness test and two researcher-developed achievement tests on multiplication and division of integers. Independent samples t-tests were used to analyze the data. The findings indicated a statistically significant improvement in the multiplication performance of the experimental group compared to the control group, whereas no significant difference was found in division performance. The results suggest that virtual manipulatives can effectively enhance students’ conceptual understanding and success in specific mathematical operations.

Ethical Statement

Ethical Committee Permission Information Name of the board that carries out ethical assessment: Kastamonu University Social and Humanities Scientific Research and Publication Ethics Board The date and number of the ethical assessment decision: 03.10.2022 – 10/24

References

  • Akkoç, H. (2008). Using technology in mathematics education for conceptual understanding. In MF Özmantar, E. Bingölbali and H. Akkoç (Eds), Mathematical misconceptions and solution suggestions (pp. 361-392). PegemA.
  • Alan, S. , Akkoç, H., İmre , SY, & Ülger, TK (2021). Investigation of mathematics teachers' technology integration approaches within the framework of instrumental orchestration based on teachers' opinions. Western Anatolian Journal of Educational Sciences (BAEBD), 12(2), 406-431.
  • Altıparmak, K. & Özdoğan, E. (2010). A study on teaching the concept of negative numbers. International Journal of Mathematics Education in Science and Technology, 41 (1), 31-47.
  • Arıcı, N. & Dalkılıç, E. (2006). Contribution of animations to computer-aided teaching. Kastamonu Education Journal, 14(2), 421-430.
  • Baki, A. (2002). Computer aided mathematics for learners and teachers. Ceren Publishing.
  • Balcı, A. (2004). Research methods, techniques and principles in social sciences. Pegem A.
  • Barut, S. & Ünüvar, E. (2020). The effect of using educational mathematics stories enriched with cartoons in teaching integers on students' academic success. Academy Journal of Education Sciences, 4(1), 45-52. https://doi.org/10.31805/acjes.688801
  • Başarmak, U. & Mahiroğlu , A. (2015). Student opinions on cartoon animation used in the online learning environment. International Journal of Eurasia Social Sciences, 19(6), 234-253.
  • Battal, S. (2020). The effect of computer aided instruction on the mathematics achievement of primary school 4th and 8th grade students. Master's Thesis, Düzce University, Duzce.
  • Baykul, Y. (2020). Teaching mathematics in secondary school (Grades 5-8). Pegem A.
  • Berkant, H.G. & Yaren, R. (2020). The effect of realistic mathematics education on sixth grade integers on students' mathematics motivation . Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University Journal of Social Sciences, 17(2), 543-571. https://doi.org/10.33437/ksusbd.555770
  • Biber, A. Ç. (2019). Mathematics and its teaching. A. Kaçar (Ed.), Teaching mathematics in primary school. Pegem Academy, pp.2-11 .
  • Büyüköztürk, Ş.,Çakmak, E.K., Akgün, Ö. E., Karadeniz, Ş. & Demirel, F. (2017). Scientific Research Methods (23rd ed.). Pegem A.
  • Camp, M. E. (2018). Making meaning of multiplication: ıntegrating virtual manipulatives and think-alouds with repeated addition, arrays, and decomposing numbers to build conceptual understandings (Doctoral dissertation, University of South Carolina).
  • Cantimer, GG & Şengül, S. (2018). What do students understand from the concept of integers? Concept image of integers through student's eyes. International Journal of Social Science, 65, 29-50.
  • Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2017). Research methods in education. Routledge.
  • Creswell , J.W. & Plano Clark , V. L. (2007). Mixed research methods, design, and conduct. Y. Dede and SB Demir (Eds.). Anı Publishing.
  • Creswell , J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative , quantitative , and mixed methods approaches. SAGE Publications.
  • Durmuş, S. & Karakırık, E. (2006). Virtual manipulatives in mathematics education: A theoretical framework. Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, 5(1), 117–123.
  • Escueta, M., Quan, V., Nickow, A., & Oreopoulos, P. (2017). Education technology: an evidence-based review. NBER Working Paper No. W23744.
  • Fitzallen, N. (2008). APMC hot ideas . Australia Primary Mathematics Classroom , 13(1), 16–17.
  • Goh, L. S., Tengah, K. A., Shahrill, M., Tan, A., & Leong, E. (2017). Teaching and learning of integers using hands-on versus virtual manipulatives. In S. De Silva (Ed.), Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Education 2017 (Vol. 3, pp. 174-185). The International Institute of Knowledge Management.
  • Hoffman , J. , & Rosen , D. (2009). Integrating concrete oath virtual manipulatives in early childhood mathematics. Young Children , 64(3), 26–32.
  • Harel , G. (2008). What is mathematics? A pedagogical answer to a philosopher question. In R.B. Gold and R.Simons ( Eds.), Proof oath others dilemmas: Mathematics oath philosophy mathematical. American Association .
  • Johnson, R. B., & Onwuegbuzie , A. J. (2004). Mixed methods research: a research paradigm whose time has come. American Educational Research Association, 33(7), 14-26.
  • Karakırık , E. (2008). SAMAP: A Turkish mathematics virtual manipulatives site. In 8th International Educational Technology Conference, Anadolu University, 11, 1-16.
  • Karakırık , E. & Çakmak, E. (2009). Primary education 1-8. Development of a Turkish Virtual Manipulative Set to Support the Grade 1 Mathematics Curriculum. TÜBİTAK Project, 106K140, 2006-2008.
  • Karakırık , E. & Aydin, E. (2011). Mathematics learning objects. In E. Karakırık (Ed.), Use of technology in mathematics education (1st ed., 19–34). Nobel Publishing Distribution.
  • Loschiavo , F. M, Shatz MA , & Poling , D.A. (2008). Strengthening the scholarship of teaching and learning via experimentation. Teaching of Psychology, 35(4), 301-304.
  • MoNE (2018). Primary school mathematics course 6th-8th grades curriculum and guide, Ankara. Moch , P. L. (2001) Manipulatives work!. The Educational Forum, 66(1), 81-87.
  • Moyer-Packenham, P.S. , & Bolyard , J.J. (2002). Exploring representation in the middle grades: Investigations in geometry with virtual manipulatives. The Australia Mathematics Teacher, 58(1), 19–25.
  • Moyer-Packenham , P.S. , & Bolyard, J.J. (2016). Revisiting the definition of a virtual manipulative PS Moyer-Packenham (Ed.), International perspectives on teaching and learning mathematics In with Virtual Manipulatives (pp. 3–23). Springer , Cham .
  • Moyer-Packenham , P.S. , Salkind , G., & Bolyard , J. J. (2008). Virtual manipulatives used by K-8 teachers for mathematics instruction: The influence of mathematical, cognitive , and pedagogical fidelity . Contemporary Issues in Technology oath teacher Education, 8(3), 202-218.
  • Moyer-Packenham , P. S ., & Westenskow , A. (2013). Effects of virtual manipulatives on students achievement oath mathematics learning International Journal of Virtual and Personal Learning Environments, 4(3), 35-50.
  • Muşlu, M. (2016). The effect of mathematical modeling method on student achievement in teaching the subject of operations with natural numbers. Master's Thesis. Atatürk University, Institute of Educational Sciences, Erzurum.
  • NCTM (2000). Principles oath standards for School Mathematics. VA.
  • Patton , M. Q. (2005). Qualitative research: encyclopedia of statistics in behavioral science. John Wiley and Sons .
  • Samioğlu, M. & Siniksaran , E. (2016). Embedding virtual manipulatives into middle school mathematics curriculum. The Anthropologist, 25(3), 207–213.
  • Schindler, M. , Hußmann, S. Nilsson , P. & Bakker , A. (2017). Sixth grade students' reasoning on the order relation of integers as influenced by before experience : An inferentialist analysis . MathEd Res J 29, 471–492.
  • Stephan, M. , & Akyuz , D. (2012). A proposed instructional theory for integer addition oath subtraction, Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 43(4), 428-464.
  • URL–1. (2023). Virtual mathematics manipulative set http://www.erolkarakirik.com/samap/. Access Date: 03.04.2023.
  • URL–2. (2023). http://www.fi.uu.nl/wisweb/en/home/welcome.html. Access Date: 07.04.2023
  • URL–3. (2023). http://nlvm.usu.edu/. Access Date: 07.04.2023
  • URL-4. (2023). http://www.vitaminegitim.com/ortaokul/?ref=msheader. Access Date: 18.04.2023.
  • URL–5. (2023). http://www.eba.gov.tr/hakkimizda. Access Date: 09.04.2023.
  • URL–6. (2023). http://www.morpakampus.com/. Access Date: 17.04.2023
  • Vallejo-Vargas, E. A., & Reid, D. A. (2024). Influences of a virtual manipulatives context on argumentation about integers. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 22(3), 585-608.
  • Yıldırım, A. & Şimşek, H. (2011). Qualitative research methods in the social sciences. Seçkin Publishing.

Effect of Virtual Manipulatives on Students Academic Success in Teaching Integers

Year 2025, Volume: 13 Issue: 26, 1320 - 1340

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of virtual manipulatives on 7th-grade students’ academic achievement in the multiplication and division of integers. A quasi-experimental design with a post-test control group was employed. The study involved 30 students assigned to experimental and control groups based on readiness level equivalence. The experimental group received instruction supported by virtual manipulatives, while the control group was taught using traditional teacher-centered methods. Data were collected through a readiness test and two researcher-developed achievement tests on multiplication and division of integers. Independent samples t-tests were used to analyze the data. The findings indicated a statistically significant improvement in the multiplication performance of the experimental group compared to the control group, whereas no significant difference was found in division performance. The results suggest that virtual manipulatives can effectively enhance students’ conceptual understanding and success in specific mathematical operations.

References

  • Akkoç, H. (2008). Using technology in mathematics education for conceptual understanding. In MF Özmantar, E. Bingölbali and H. Akkoç (Eds), Mathematical misconceptions and solution suggestions (pp. 361-392). PegemA.
  • Alan, S. , Akkoç, H., İmre , SY, & Ülger, TK (2021). Investigation of mathematics teachers' technology integration approaches within the framework of instrumental orchestration based on teachers' opinions. Western Anatolian Journal of Educational Sciences (BAEBD), 12(2), 406-431.
  • Altıparmak, K. & Özdoğan, E. (2010). A study on teaching the concept of negative numbers. International Journal of Mathematics Education in Science and Technology, 41 (1), 31-47.
  • Arıcı, N. & Dalkılıç, E. (2006). Contribution of animations to computer-aided teaching. Kastamonu Education Journal, 14(2), 421-430.
  • Baki, A. (2002). Computer aided mathematics for learners and teachers. Ceren Publishing.
  • Balcı, A. (2004). Research methods, techniques and principles in social sciences. Pegem A.
  • Barut, S. & Ünüvar, E. (2020). The effect of using educational mathematics stories enriched with cartoons in teaching integers on students' academic success. Academy Journal of Education Sciences, 4(1), 45-52. https://doi.org/10.31805/acjes.688801
  • Başarmak, U. & Mahiroğlu , A. (2015). Student opinions on cartoon animation used in the online learning environment. International Journal of Eurasia Social Sciences, 19(6), 234-253.
  • Battal, S. (2020). The effect of computer aided instruction on the mathematics achievement of primary school 4th and 8th grade students. Master's Thesis, Düzce University, Duzce.
  • Baykul, Y. (2020). Teaching mathematics in secondary school (Grades 5-8). Pegem A.
  • Berkant, H.G. & Yaren, R. (2020). The effect of realistic mathematics education on sixth grade integers on students' mathematics motivation . Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University Journal of Social Sciences, 17(2), 543-571. https://doi.org/10.33437/ksusbd.555770
  • Biber, A. Ç. (2019). Mathematics and its teaching. A. Kaçar (Ed.), Teaching mathematics in primary school. Pegem Academy, pp.2-11 .
  • Büyüköztürk, Ş.,Çakmak, E.K., Akgün, Ö. E., Karadeniz, Ş. & Demirel, F. (2017). Scientific Research Methods (23rd ed.). Pegem A.
  • Camp, M. E. (2018). Making meaning of multiplication: ıntegrating virtual manipulatives and think-alouds with repeated addition, arrays, and decomposing numbers to build conceptual understandings (Doctoral dissertation, University of South Carolina).
  • Cantimer, GG & Şengül, S. (2018). What do students understand from the concept of integers? Concept image of integers through student's eyes. International Journal of Social Science, 65, 29-50.
  • Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2017). Research methods in education. Routledge.
  • Creswell , J.W. & Plano Clark , V. L. (2007). Mixed research methods, design, and conduct. Y. Dede and SB Demir (Eds.). Anı Publishing.
  • Creswell , J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative , quantitative , and mixed methods approaches. SAGE Publications.
  • Durmuş, S. & Karakırık, E. (2006). Virtual manipulatives in mathematics education: A theoretical framework. Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, 5(1), 117–123.
  • Escueta, M., Quan, V., Nickow, A., & Oreopoulos, P. (2017). Education technology: an evidence-based review. NBER Working Paper No. W23744.
  • Fitzallen, N. (2008). APMC hot ideas . Australia Primary Mathematics Classroom , 13(1), 16–17.
  • Goh, L. S., Tengah, K. A., Shahrill, M., Tan, A., & Leong, E. (2017). Teaching and learning of integers using hands-on versus virtual manipulatives. In S. De Silva (Ed.), Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Education 2017 (Vol. 3, pp. 174-185). The International Institute of Knowledge Management.
  • Hoffman , J. , & Rosen , D. (2009). Integrating concrete oath virtual manipulatives in early childhood mathematics. Young Children , 64(3), 26–32.
  • Harel , G. (2008). What is mathematics? A pedagogical answer to a philosopher question. In R.B. Gold and R.Simons ( Eds.), Proof oath others dilemmas: Mathematics oath philosophy mathematical. American Association .
  • Johnson, R. B., & Onwuegbuzie , A. J. (2004). Mixed methods research: a research paradigm whose time has come. American Educational Research Association, 33(7), 14-26.
  • Karakırık , E. (2008). SAMAP: A Turkish mathematics virtual manipulatives site. In 8th International Educational Technology Conference, Anadolu University, 11, 1-16.
  • Karakırık , E. & Çakmak, E. (2009). Primary education 1-8. Development of a Turkish Virtual Manipulative Set to Support the Grade 1 Mathematics Curriculum. TÜBİTAK Project, 106K140, 2006-2008.
  • Karakırık , E. & Aydin, E. (2011). Mathematics learning objects. In E. Karakırık (Ed.), Use of technology in mathematics education (1st ed., 19–34). Nobel Publishing Distribution.
  • Loschiavo , F. M, Shatz MA , & Poling , D.A. (2008). Strengthening the scholarship of teaching and learning via experimentation. Teaching of Psychology, 35(4), 301-304.
  • MoNE (2018). Primary school mathematics course 6th-8th grades curriculum and guide, Ankara. Moch , P. L. (2001) Manipulatives work!. The Educational Forum, 66(1), 81-87.
  • Moyer-Packenham, P.S. , & Bolyard , J.J. (2002). Exploring representation in the middle grades: Investigations in geometry with virtual manipulatives. The Australia Mathematics Teacher, 58(1), 19–25.
  • Moyer-Packenham , P.S. , & Bolyard, J.J. (2016). Revisiting the definition of a virtual manipulative PS Moyer-Packenham (Ed.), International perspectives on teaching and learning mathematics In with Virtual Manipulatives (pp. 3–23). Springer , Cham .
  • Moyer-Packenham , P.S. , Salkind , G., & Bolyard , J. J. (2008). Virtual manipulatives used by K-8 teachers for mathematics instruction: The influence of mathematical, cognitive , and pedagogical fidelity . Contemporary Issues in Technology oath teacher Education, 8(3), 202-218.
  • Moyer-Packenham , P. S ., & Westenskow , A. (2013). Effects of virtual manipulatives on students achievement oath mathematics learning International Journal of Virtual and Personal Learning Environments, 4(3), 35-50.
  • Muşlu, M. (2016). The effect of mathematical modeling method on student achievement in teaching the subject of operations with natural numbers. Master's Thesis. Atatürk University, Institute of Educational Sciences, Erzurum.
  • NCTM (2000). Principles oath standards for School Mathematics. VA.
  • Patton , M. Q. (2005). Qualitative research: encyclopedia of statistics in behavioral science. John Wiley and Sons .
  • Samioğlu, M. & Siniksaran , E. (2016). Embedding virtual manipulatives into middle school mathematics curriculum. The Anthropologist, 25(3), 207–213.
  • Schindler, M. , Hußmann, S. Nilsson , P. & Bakker , A. (2017). Sixth grade students' reasoning on the order relation of integers as influenced by before experience : An inferentialist analysis . MathEd Res J 29, 471–492.
  • Stephan, M. , & Akyuz , D. (2012). A proposed instructional theory for integer addition oath subtraction, Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 43(4), 428-464.
  • URL–1. (2023). Virtual mathematics manipulative set http://www.erolkarakirik.com/samap/. Access Date: 03.04.2023.
  • URL–2. (2023). http://www.fi.uu.nl/wisweb/en/home/welcome.html. Access Date: 07.04.2023
  • URL–3. (2023). http://nlvm.usu.edu/. Access Date: 07.04.2023
  • URL-4. (2023). http://www.vitaminegitim.com/ortaokul/?ref=msheader. Access Date: 18.04.2023.
  • URL–5. (2023). http://www.eba.gov.tr/hakkimizda. Access Date: 09.04.2023.
  • URL–6. (2023). http://www.morpakampus.com/. Access Date: 17.04.2023
  • Vallejo-Vargas, E. A., & Reid, D. A. (2024). Influences of a virtual manipulatives context on argumentation about integers. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 22(3), 585-608.
  • Yıldırım, A. & Şimşek, H. (2011). Qualitative research methods in the social sciences. Seçkin Publishing.
There are 48 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Mathematics Education
Journal Section Research Article
Authors

Aysun Yurt 0009-0009-8959-9761

İbrahim Kepceoğlu 0000-0002-5772-0987

Early Pub Date October 1, 2025
Publication Date October 10, 2025
Submission Date April 25, 2025
Acceptance Date September 7, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 13 Issue: 26

Cite

APA Yurt, A., & Kepceoğlu, İ. (2025). Effect of Virtual Manipulatives on Students Academic Success in Teaching Integers. Journal of Computer and Education Research, 13(26), 1320-1340.

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