Linguistic competence and mathematics learning: the tools of e-learning

This paper addresses the issue of mathematics education in e-learning platforms. In the frame of discursive approach to mathematics learning, the discussion is focused on multisemioticity and multivariety, as they characterize mathematical practice and students' linguistic competence seems to be strictly linked to their success in mathematics learning. E-learning platforms offer plenty of opportunities to plan and implement activities apt to improve such competence. To this aim, the tools available are investigated and some examples of their use are shown.