RUME 25
2023
Omaha, Nebraska
Instrumental Genesis: For Loop and ‘len()’ as Artifacts
Page: 63
In this contributed report I present results from a teaching experiment broadly focused on students utilizing machine-based computing as a mediating tool to learn fundamental concepts related to set theory and logic. Specifically, I highlight the mathematical activity of one student and his unique approach to finding the intersection of three sets. To understand how this student leveraged the computer programming environment, I used the analytical framework known as instrumental genesis, which can be utilized to investigate the confluence of an artifact (often a piece of technology) and the human mind to solve a mathematical problem. Results indicate that the student was able to use computational tools such as For Loops and the len(), or “length,” function as artifacts in his solution to finding the set intersection.