The Use of Handwriting Input in Math Tutoring Systems: An Use Case with PAT2Math

Abstract

Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITSs) for Math still use traditional methods of input, such as computer keyboard and mouse. This strategy exposes students to a high extraneous cognitive load, due to the way the students are used to work, what could impair their learning. This paper presents a tool for Math ITSs that uses the student handwriting as data input. This tool was integrated into PAT2Math, an algebraic ITS, for an experimental evaluation in a public school with 48 students. It followed a design of control and experimental groups with pre and post-tests and a post questionnaire. Although our results have shown statistically significant improvement in student learning gains in both groups, no difference between groups was found. However, questionnaire responses suggest that handwriting provides a greater facility to the insertion of equations into ITSs for Math if compared with traditional methods (i.e., keyboard and mouse).