Beyond the Classroom Walls

The integration of mobile technology in education has transformed traditional learning environments, offering enhanced opportunities for interactive and practical learning. This study aims to explore the learning experiences of seventh-grade students when using mobile applications to apply mathematical concepts, specifically surface area and volume of cuboids, in real-world contexts. The study involved fourteen seventh-grade students from Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), who were divided into four groups of three to four members based on prior research on collaborative and mobile learning, and group composition was carefully selected to ensure gender diversity in each group. Each group used iPhones equipped with the Measure and Zalo apps to conduct measurements and collaborate. The learning activities spanned two forty-five-minute sessions, focusing on measuring real-life objects and applying mathematical formulas to solve problems. The students effectively used the Measure app to gather dimensions of cuboid pillars in the schoolyard and collaborated via the Zalo app to discuss and share their findings. The activities allowed students to experience and apply mathematical concepts in a real-world context, with one group successfully calculating the cost of painting and casting the pillar. The findings highlight the potential of mobile learning to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. By engaging with real-world objects and utilizing mobile apps, students enhanced their problem-solving skills and mathematical understanding. This approach aligns with contemporary educational trends and offers a promising method for integrating technology into mathematics education.