Go Math! How Research Anchors New Mobile Learning Environments

A reciprocal research and design process (RR & D) became central to the development of mobile learning environments for families. Go Math! applications were developed to support families in the situations they face in their daily activities where problem solving involves mathematics. The RR & D process is effective for synthesizing design and development choices with consideration of the results of basic research on mathematics in everyday life, the voices of users, the social context of use, and mobile affordances. The RR & D process is described, and two mobile mathematics applications illustrate how the process maintains fidelity among research, the development of design criteria, and user voice and practice. We consider the process important in the development of mobile learning environments.