Number Sense, Fingers and Multi-Touch Apps in Preschool

This chapter examines how multi-touch technology can support the development of number sense in preschool-aged children. Integrating insights from mathematics education, developmental psychology, and neuroscience, it highlights the foundational role of the significance of finger-based interactions in the development of number sense. Affordances of the apps Fingu, Ladybug Count, and TouchCounts are explored with respect to eliciting specific number sense skills through dynamic, embodied interactions. Findings from two studies are presented: the first investigates learning in the two closed environments, while the second examines learning in the open-ended environment TouchCounts. Results suggest that multi-touch technology, when combined with thoughtful task design and educator mediation, can effectively elicit diverse aspects of number sense in preschoolers. Some implications for early childhood education with these sorts of digital technology are discussed.