Supporting the distributed synchronous learning of probability

This paper reports on the some experiments to explore the distributed synchronous learning of probability. We have been studying synchronous computer supported collaboration between adults using Kansas, a very general and powerful environment. We have implemented a shared simulation of a game show and used this with groups of adults ranging in size from 2 to 5 participants, collaborating through an audio or video link. We describe our research approach and give preliminary results from our ongoing experiments on the general question how collaborative work changes or is enhanced by different numbers of simultaneous users of such technology, and how collaborative work mediated by technology can support learning difficult concepts. We give examples of the strong prior conceptions of probability held by our students and how these influenced their work on the simulation. We indicate future directions to be taken in this work.