Assistive technology can help students in various areas of their lives and subjects in school. Earlier I discussed how assistive technology can be a resource for students in reading and writing. In this post you will read how AT plays a role in math. Each separate subheading addresses various ways to use AT in math.
The purpose of the application should be at the forefront of the decision making process. The application could help the student solve a math problem or strengthen their math skills. After determining the purpose there must be an evaluation to determine if the application really does what it says. The last question to consider is if the application can replace traditional classroom activities. The application may allow the student to use online math manipulatives instead of tangible manipulatives.
Applications for Automaticity and Math Fact Fluency
Automaticity is the ability to recall content quickly and accurately with no effort. In the classroom this shows up as Math Fact Fluency, the ability to solve computation problems by using basic math facts. Timez Attack is a game created by the makers of Sony PlayStation. The game focuses on multiplication facts by using high- tech video games. ArithmAttack is another computer game used to practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts. The game can be played with one or more players. The numbers can be customized to give the student targeted practice.
Technology Tools used for Visual- Spatial or Motor Control Difficulties
Visual- spatial or motor control difficulties can affect students in many ways at school and in their classroom. Copying things from the board and placing digits in the correct place value can all be challenging for these students. Math Pad is a talking worksheet program. It allows students to solve math problems by properly aligning numbers and allowing students to use a keyboard or mouse to click. Math Type can be used for students in advanced math. It uses symbols to create equations and allows students to color code them.
Educational Applications for Math Concepts, Math Skills, and Problem Solving
According to The National Mathematics Advisory Panel students must understand core concepts to transfer previously learned knowledge to solve new problems. They will need to be proficient in automaticity, fluency, and conceptual understanding to be effective problem solvers. Assistive technology applications can relieve one of these barriers for students to be successful. Math Pad Plus is an extension of the basic Math Pad application previously discussed. Math Pad Plus allows students to solve fractions and decimals. Math Talk/ Scientific Notebook is used with Dragon, a voice recognition software. Students can speak math problems from various levels, from prealgebra to statistics.
Low and Mid Tech Adaptations for Students with Disabilities
Low Tech Adaptations
- Manipulatives- can be used for basic math facts
- Fraction rubber stamps
- Addition and multiplication tables- reference guide for students who struggle with automaticity
Mid Tech Adaptations
- Talking calculators- help students with learning disabilities check their work
- Calculators with oversized buttons- used for students with visual impairments
- Coin abacus- teaches basic money counting
Citation: Dell, A. G., Newton, D. A., & Petroff, J. G. (2012). Assistive Technology in the Classroom: Enhancing the School Experiences of Students with Disabilities(2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall.
No comments:
Post a Comment