Yo Math Is So Arty: Inspiring Creative Learning with Mathematical Internet Memes
Giulia Bini and Ornella Robutti

Proceedings of Bridges 2019: Mathematics, Art, Music, Architecture, Education, Culture
Pages 583–586
Workshop Papers

Abstract

Memes are digital artefacts iconic of the Web 2.0. They are cultural expressions exemplary of contemporary society, made possible by digital technologies, and they embody the inventive participatory culture that permeates social media interaction. For this reason, we believe they can be fruitfully included in teaching practices aimed at eliciting students’ creative contributions, with the intent to expand traditional teaching methods. The purpose of this workshop is to show the didactical potential of memes. This goal will be pursued in four progressive steps: getting participants acquainted with memes, guiding them through the unpacking of the social and mathematical messages carried by a meme, analyzing a series of examples of mathematical memes and their possible uses for teaching, and finally experimenting with a guided hands-on activity focused on the creation of mathematical memes, using online devices.

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