The Effects of Digital Tools on Third Graders’ Understanding of Concepts and Development of Skills in Multiplication

Esther Jiyoung Yoon

The purpose of this research study was to examine the effectiveness of two digital tools: a virtual number line (Jumper Tool); and a dynamic hundreds chart (Morphing Chart) in improving children’s understanding of multiplication and number sense. One hundred twenty-two third grade students (69 girls), ages ranging from 8 years-0 months to 10 years-3 months (M = 8.88 years, SD = 0.44) from three New York City public elementary schools, were recruited to participate in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two math treatment groups or a reading control group. Students in the Jumper group used a number line tool, while those in the Morphing group used a morphing hundreds chart. Children’s number sense ability and understanding of multiplication were tested at pre- and posttest to examine group differences. Researchers recorded children’s strategy use and a back-end...