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Virtual Activities to Strengthen Basic Math Skills in Children

Abstract:

This article presents the results obtained from an investigation carried out in Ecuador during the COVID 19 pandemic to determine how the use of virtual activities strengthens basic mathematical skills in children aged four to five years old. A quantitative study was carried out with sixty-one children who were assessed using the Early Mathematical Assessment Test (EMAT), in its Spanish version, to indicate the level of mathematical skills of the participants before and after the course. We used Moodle for the delivery of the virtual activities and synchronous sessions over a 4-week period. Results obtained were positive after participation in the Basic Mathematical Skills (BMS) course. There was an increase in the scores of the posttest compared to the pre-test, in the concepts of comparison, classification, seriation and correspondence in all age groups. Regarding activities in the platform, seriation and classification were the math skill that stood out. In contrast, comparison was the least developed math skill. Additionally, the development of math skills in virtual environments seemed to be influenced by student age. Finally, it can be added that virtual platforms help to generate better performance in the classroom and can be used as a complement to educational programs for a better learning.