Assistive Technologyfor Use with Mathematics

Mark Smith – EDSE517Adapted from work by Jeff

Sisk

Math Skills

Math skills are essential for many daily life activities, not just for work and school.

Calculating Finances

Understanding Spatial Relations

Measuring

Memorization

Characteristics of Students with Mathematic Learning

Disabilities• difficulty learning the meaning of numbers

(number sense), • trouble with tasks like sorting objects by

shape, size or color• recognizing groups and patterns• comparing and contrasting using concepts like

smaller/bigger or taller/shorter• learning to count, recognizing numbers and

matching numbers with amounts• difficulty solving basic math problems using

addition, subtraction, multiplication and division

• they struggle to remember and retain basic math facts (i.e. times tables)

• trouble figuring out how to apply their knowledge and skills to solve math problems

Characteristics of Students with Mathematic Learning

Disabilities• difficulties in visual-spatial skills• difficulty putting math facts down on

paper in an organized way• Language processing disabilities can

make it hard for a person to get a grasp of the vocabulary of math

• it may be hard to visualize patterns, different parts of a math problem or identify critical information needed to solve equations and more complex problems

Handheld Devices

Calculators & Graphing Calculators

• Perform basic and advanced math calculations

• Integrated data entry for spreadsheets and other computer documents

• Information can be shared among calculators

Drill & Practice Software

Mighty Math Number Heroes• Four exciting activities that encourage

students to learn and master skills in fractions, multiplication, division, 2D geometry, and more.

• Develops investigation and experimentation abilities.

Price: $29.95

http://www.riverdeep.net

Drill & Practice SoftwareWild West Math• Helps students in grades 2 - 6 develop

and refine fundamental math skills.• Memorization of basic math facts to the

process of long division.• Program activities can be adjusted to

accommodate a wide range of learning needs.

• Tutorial help screens provide carefully structured assistance.

Price: $41.94

http://www.micrograms.com

Simulations

Math Heads• Help students develop pre-algebra

skills; solve word problems• Make mental calculations• Compute fractions, decimals,

percentages, and equivalences• Build estimation skills

• Use logical thinking skills. Price: $79.95

http://www.theatrix.com

Simulations

Astro Algebra• Develops familiarity with whole and

rational numbers, decimals, fractions, ratios, proportions, and percents

• Introduces expressions, equations, functions, inequalities, and graphs

• Covers points, functions, equations, and inequalities with number lines and coordinate planes

Price: $69.95

http://www.riverdeep.net

Simulations

Cosmic Geometry• Virtual Manipulatives help students

make the connection between concrete and abstract concepts

• Grow Slides automatically present more advanced topics and problems

Price: $69.95

http://www.riverdeep.net

Simulations

SMARTBoard• Virtual Manipulatives help students

make the connection between concrete and abstract concepts

Simulations

Internet Resources

• Virtual Manipulatives help students make the connection between concrete and abstract concepts

Clairvoy Delicioushttp://del.icio.us/clairvoy/math

Math Word Processor

Math Type• Provides added toolbar in Microsoft

Word• Allows common math symbols to be

placed in a document as picture characters Price: $49.95

http://www.mathtype.com

High Tech Manipulatives

Intellimathics•Tool for manipulating onscreen

attribute blocks, tangrams, base ten blocks, geoboards, or fraction pieces

•Environment for manipulating any type of graphic, from bugs to balloons

•Add sorting bins, counting boxes, and Venn Hoops to your activities

•Gives verbal and written feedback to students as they make their selections

High Tech Manipulatives

IntellimathicsPrice: $139.95http://www.intellitools.com

Low Tech Manipulatives

• Buckets of pattern blocks• Trays of tiles and cubes• Collections of geoboards• Tangrams• Counters• Spinners

Other Low Tech for Math

• Graph Paper• Number Stamps• Raised Number Rulers• Math Line• Color coding for maintaining

columns • Big number buttons and large

keypads

Software on T221 Laptops

• IntelliTools/Math• Money Skills• Premier/Talking Calculator• SMARTBoard• MathType