Effects of multimedia environment on kindergarten children’s mathematical achievements and style of learning

The purpose of the study is two-fold: (a) to investigate the effects of learning mathematics with multimedia embedded in different styles of learning (cooperative learning versus individual learning) in kindergarten on students' mathematical achievements; (b) to examine students' preference for style of learning with computers in kindergarten. Participants were 116 students (girls and boys) who studied in kindergarten classes. One group was exposed to multimedia embedded in cooperative learning (CL), the second group was exposed to multimedia embedded in individual learning (IL) and the control group (C) was not exposed to multimedia. Findings indicated that the CL and IL students significantly outperformed the C group in mathematical achievement. The IL students further improved their mathematical skills at the higher level, while the CL students further increased their positive attitude about cooperative learning. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.