Counting to 20: Online Implementation of a Face-to-Face, Elementary Mathematics Methods Problem-Solving Activity

This study describes implementation of the same problem-solving activity in both online and face-to-face environments. The activity, done in the first class period or first module of a K-2 mathematics methods course, was initially used in a face-to-face class and then adapted later for use in an online class. While the task was originally designed for the face-to-face course, it is not the case that it is fully useful there and less useful in the online version. Rather, each context privileges different ideas about teaching and learning mathematics. Possibilities to address the challenges of each environment are considered with emphasis on task structure and the role of the instructor.