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Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a relatively new technological and methodological tool for use in the teaching and learning of subjects like mathematics, especially in developing countries such as Zimbabwe. The COVID-19 pandemic, online learning and ‘working from home’ concept have also necessitated the use of AI. AI has many applications in mathematics education such as predicting student performance, data capturing and storage, simulation, mathematical modelling, and problem-solving, among others. This study explores and describes the applications of AI in the open and distance electronic learning (ODeL) scenario through two examples: (a) A teacher who prepared a video lesson on geometrical transformations using AI software GeoGebra and posted the videos to her “A” level students on WhatsApp to learn independently. Then one of her students volunteered to illustrate on GeoGebra what he had understood from the teacher’s lesson. (b) Another learner who modelled some interactive mathematical shapes and activities using the computer programming language LOGO. Further, unstructured questions were used to interview the participants and find out their opinions, comments and suggestions on the use of AI in mathematics teaching and learning through ODeL and in the comfort of one’s home. Small vignettes of these participants are given in the study. Data were analyzed through emerging themes. Major findings indicated that, although both teacher and learners had positive views and beliefs on the use of GeoGebra and the computer program LOGO, they raised some challenges such as the need for more training and hands-on activities, the need to be equipped with ICT resources, and in some cases, to have strong and reliable Internet connectivity. Findings of the study could be used to inform policy and practice using AI in mathematics education through ODeL, especially post-COVID-19 era.
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This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Article Type: Research Article
Computers and Children, Volume 5, Issue 1, 2026, Article No: em011
https://doi.org/10.29333/cac/18109
Publication date: 13 Mar 2026
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