Teaching and Learning of Integers Using Hands-on Versus Virtual Manipulatives

The purpose of this action research paper was to investigate the use of manipulatives in the teaching of addition and subtraction of integers. This research also looked at the impact of technology integration in the Mathematics classroom towards students' academic performance, students' motivation in learning integers, and students' attitude towards technology in Mathematics. The intervention lessons, which included the use of hands-on coloured counters and virtual manipulatives in the Gizmos application webpage, were carried out in two classes comprising 51 students in a secondary school in Brunei. This research adopted a quantitative approach of analysing participants' assessment scores, in addition to individual responses to questionnaires, and observational data collected during the interventions. Analysis of the result indicates that there is improvement in students' academic performance, which carries positive impact towards students' motivation, and students' attitude from both intervention methods. Another important finding of the study was, students that achieved higher assessment scores were more motivated and had a more positive attitude after taking part in the technology-enhanced lessons.