Dynamic Mathematics Software Survey

Introduction

The title of this research study is Understanding High School Mathematics Teachers’ Intention to Use Dynamic Mathematics Software.

I am Cynthia Barberio, a doctoral student under the supervision of Dr. Kevin McClean in the College of Doctoral Studies at Grand Canyon University.

The purpose of this study is to learn about dynamic digital math tools in high school math classes. These tools include GeoGebra, Desmos, Fathom, Geometer’s Sketchpad, and other programs or apps that help people see math in different ways. This study looks at why some teachers use these tools and why some do not.

Key Information

This document defines the terms and conditions for consenting to participate in this research study.

How do I know if I can be in this study?

You can participate in this study if you:

• Are currently employed as a public high school mathematics teacher in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, or Texas.
• Teach mathematics courses such as Algebra, Geometry, Precalculus/Trigonometry, Calculus, Integrated Mathematics, or Statistics for at least 50% of your teaching load.
• Are willing to complete an online survey about your beliefs and experiences using digital mathematics tools.
• Are at least 18 years old.

You cannot participate in this study if you:

• Primarily teach business math or financial math courses.
• Do not teach high school mathematics.
• Are under 18 years old.
• Are not currently employed as a public-school teacher in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, or Texas.

Research Activities: What am I being asked to do?

If you agree to be in this study, you will be asked to:

What?

• Answer demographic questions about your state, age, years teaching high school math, the percentage of your teaching load that is math, and what math classes you teach. (2–3 minutes).
• Answer an 18-item survey about your beliefs and experiences using dynamic digital math tools such as GeoGebra or Desmos (10–12 minutes).
• You may skip any question you do not want to answer.

When?
The survey will be open between March and May 20, 2026. You may complete it at any time during this period.

Where?
Take the survey online in SurveyMonkey using your own computer or mobile device.

How?
You will complete the survey using SurveyMonkey.

Who will have access to my data/information?
Your survey responses will be accessible only by me, specific members of the committee, and all College of Doctoral Studies Reviewers may view your information and your answers as part of the dissertation review process.

Am I required to participate in this study?
Your participation in this study is completely voluntary. After reading this informed consent, you can decide whether to participate in this study or not. Also, if you choose to participate and then change your mind, you can leave the study at any time, even if you have not finished, without any penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled. If you decide to stop participation, you may do so by exiting the survey. If so, I will not use the information from you before you chose to stop.

Any possible risks or discomforts?
There are no foreseeable risks or discomforts associated with this study.

Any direct benefits for me?
No.

Any paid compensation or incentives for my time?
Participants will not get paid for their participation.

Presentation of Information Collected

I will present the study results in my doctoral dissertation. I may also share group results at conferences or in journals.

Privacy and Data Security

Will other researchers ever be able to link my data/responses back to me?
No.

Will my initial data include information that can identify me (names, addresses, or other identifying material, such as audio, specific demographics, etc.)?
No. The survey does not ask for your name, school, email address, or IP address.

Will researchers assign my data/responses a research ID code to use instead of my name?
No.

How and where will my data be protected (electronic and hardcopy)?
SurveyMonkey will store survey responses on secure servers. I will then download the data to a password-protected device and an encrypted GCU OneDrive account.

Will artificial intelligence (AI) software be used?
For enhanced research efficiency, artificial intelligence (AI) software may be utilized to analyze collected data and may involve the de-identified exchange of some personal or sensitive information. The data will not be disclosed in a way that could identify you.

How long will the data be kept in the protected space?
I will keep the data for at least three years. Then I will delete it.

Who will have access to the protected data?
Once your data is coded or de-identified, it becomes protected data. I will have access to all of your data and information. In addition, my dissertation chair, committee members, and all College of Doctoral Studies Reviewers may view your information and your answers as part of the dissertation review process.

What is the privacy policy for the survey platform, SurveyMonkey?
Here is the link to their privacy policy: https://www.surveymonkey.com/mp/legal/privacy/

Where and how will the signed informed consent forms be secured?
This study uses anonymous electronic consent, so no signed consent forms will be collected or stored.

Future Research

The data collected for this study will be used only for the purposes described above. De-identified data will not be used for future research studies or shared with other investigators.

Study Contacts
Any questions you have concerning the research study or your participation in the study, before or after your informed consent, will be answered by Cynthia Barberio, cbarberio@my.gcu.edu.

If you have questions about your rights as a subject/participant in this research, or if you feel you have been placed at risk, you can contact the Chair of the Human Subjects Institutional Review Board through the College of Doctoral Studies at IRB@gcu.edu; (602) 639-7804.