Technology Tools for Mathematics

Strategies & Tools

Strategies & Tools

The following slides give some basic strategies you can use to address learning barriers.

Visual Perception

• Change the size and type of fonts being used• Change foreground and background colors• Highlight or visually mark key areas that students need to pay

attention to (e.g. operation signs, etc.)• Use graph paper to help student visually format numbers and

symbols in a problem.• Use text-to-speech tools so students can hear word problems as well

as read them• Reduce visual distractions on a page (e.g. simplify the amount of

text, reduce the number of problems, etc.)

Language Perception

• Provide information in multiple media formats (auditory, pictures, charts, diagrams, etc.)

• Use interactive whiteboards and to provide visual demonstrations for small groups or a class

• Use personal amplification systems

Integration

• Use graphic organizers, mind maps, concept maps, timelines, and outlines to help students visual integrate information and concepts

• Highlight or visually mark up important points to provide visual organization and integration supports

• Introduce core concepts and vocabulary in advance• Use mental models such as compare-contrast

Conceptual Understanding

• Use a Concrete-Representational-Abstract sequence of instruction• Provide math manipulatives (physical and virtual)• Use mental models such as compare-contrast to help build

understanding of why problem solving procedures work• Use graphic organizers, mind maps, and concept maps• Provide interactive tools students can use independently and in

groups to explore multiple problem solving strategies and build understanding

• Use math games• Give students time and tools to share with each other what they are

learning

Memory

• Process or practice the content several times, each time thinking about a different aspect or focus (e.g. analyzing the structure of the problem, talking about conceptual understandings, discussing real world applications)

• Create visual graphic organizers to refer back to on a regular basis to repeatedly imprint the information

• Compare and contrast different mathematic procedures and problem solving strategies

• Use flash card tools to review information and concepts

Writing

• Provide pencil grips or a variety of different shaped writing tools• Provide graph paper to guide the formatting and number/symbol

alignment• Provide computer or mobile device tools to problem solve, draw

geometric figures, etc.• Use math symbol fonts and math writing features in programs such

as WORD, etc.

Independence

• Provide a variety of calculators (e.g. regular calculators, scientific calculators, algebra calculators, money calculators)

• Provide a variety of conversion tools• Provide virtual math manipulatives• Provide assignment helpers (online tools, videos, math dictionaries,

calculators, problem solving tools)• Provide access to mathematic games

Next Steps

Complete the Exploration and the Instructional Plan activities on this page. Then proceed to the next module, Final Assessment, where you will fill in the Implementation section of the Instructional Plan.

Exploration Instructional Plan