Development and evaluation of multimedia blackboard system for improving mathematical problem solving

The purpose of this paper is to promote a new online mathematical learning model that students not only use electronic blackboard to write down their mathematical problem solving solutions but also use the voice recording tool to give oral explanations about their thinking behind the solutions. To cultivate students' critical thinking capability and encourage collaborative peer learning, the new learning model also requests students to criticize others' solutions and to reply others' arguments. With the multimedia supporting tools, students are more easily to communicate with each other about what they think and how they solve mathematical problems by using the electronic blackboard and voice recording tools. After analyzed the recorded information with statistical method, we found that the performance of female students is superior to those male students in communications and mathematical problem solving. Additionally, students with higher final exam grades have better mathematical abilities of doing critiques, arguments and communications.