Digital Examples Mediated by Activity Theory and ADDIE for Linear Algebra

Abstract

Linear Algebra plays a crucial role in various fields of technology and engineering. Despite its relevance, it is categorized as difficult to learn for students and difficult to teach for instructors. This study examines the learning of this discipline, where—given an appropriate classroom pace—digital artifacts centered on worked examples that link theory and practice can serve as effective tools. These tools strengthen the understanding of abstraction, generalization, and formalism, while also demonstrating professional scenarios where Linear Algebra is key to problem-solving.

The research is guided by Activity Theory and the ADDIE model to explore how students with no prior background in Linear Algebra interact with worked examples under pre-organized instructional activities. The findings reveal complex interactions within the activity system, highlighting the role of worked examples as a support for explaining and interpreting problems and their solutions, as well as for transferring those skills to other mathematical concepts.