Students with physical disabilities can utilize virtual manipulatives when access to concrete materials is not feasible. There is research that supports the use of technology-based manipulatives with students who experience difficulty with abstract mathematical concepts.
Research
Students with physical disabilities can utilize virtual manipulatives when access to concrete materials is not feasible. Further, there is research that supports the use of technology-based manipulatives with students who experience difficulty with abstract mathematical concepts. As noted by Anstrom (2006), “selecting and accessing the appropriate tools and processes for students with disabilities is critical to their understanding of mathematics” (p.11). Multiple forms of representation, links, notations and endless objects are easily accessible with virtual manipulatives (Moyer, Salkind, & Bolyard, 2008). The past and current adoption of Virginia’s Mathematics Standards of Learning (2009) have included mathematical representations in all forms. The new math standards are to be fully implemented this school year, 2011-2012.
Virtual manipulatives can be part of the consideration for assisitve technology during the IEP process for individual students. It is important to make sure the virtual manipulatives are interactive and not static images.
Resources
National Library of Virtual Manipulatives Access free online National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (NLVM) for numbers & operations, algebra, geometry, measurement and data analysis, and probability.
Smart Notebook Math Tools software offers virtual manipulatives, interactive graphing, and solving of equations as well as the ability to recognize handwritten mathematical equations. A free 30-day trial is available at Smart Tech .
References
Anstrom,T. (2006). Supporting students in mathematics through the use of manipulatives.
Moyer, P.S., Salkind, G., & Bolyard, J.J. (2008). Virtual manipulatives used by k-8 teachers for mathematics instruction: The
influence of mathematical, cognitive, and pedagogical fidelity. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 8(3), 202-218.
Virginia Department of Education (2009). Mathematics Standards of Learning. Richmond, VA: Virginia Department of Education.
