Problem solving in technology rich contexts: Mathematics sense making in out-of-school environments

This investigation describes the way in which a case study participant (aged 7) represented, posed and solved problems in a technology game-based environment. The out-of-school problem-solving context placed numeracy demands on the participant that were more complex and sophisticated than the type of mathematics experiences he encountered in school. The participant used maps (including large- and small-scale maps, dynamic and static maps) to represent, interpret and solve problems. The participant demonstrated the capacity to decipher graphical information when simultaneously moving between maps with different representations, orientations, perspectives and scales as he played a Pokemon Game Boy. This paper outlines the strategies and mathematical ideas he used to make sense of the problem context, and describes the problem-solving processes he used to make sense of an open-ended task.