Assistive Technology that supports Math
Many students find Math difficult because they lack the motivation to complete the problem or equation they are working on. If the student does not find the material fun and engaging they will simply see it as frustrating and will not want to complete the assignment. Technology presents the student with an engaging interactive math activity that drives the student to complete the task. The teacher or parent can select or modify most math software or applications to better suit the child's needs. For example if a student is struggling with subtraction a teacher can change the settings on the child's favorite math program so it explains in depth the rules of subtraction in a fun, captivating way. The student will also be able to receive instant praise when they answer a problem correctly in the program whereas if the child were learning with their class gratification or the correction of a mistake could be delayed.
The student may not understand the teachers lessons if he or she is simply writing math problems on the board or giving the children worksheets. The teacher can use a math program or application will have engaging animations and graphics that can help explain the math problem to the child. If the teacher can also use manipulatives to help illustrate the problem that is being presented and how to reach the answer. The teacher or math program that is helping the child learn the desired math skill must continuously praise the child when they answer a question correctly. This will motivate the child and make them excited and confidant to try to answer another math problem.
The student may not understand the teachers lessons if he or she is simply writing math problems on the board or giving the children worksheets. The teacher can use a math program or application will have engaging animations and graphics that can help explain the math problem to the child. If the teacher can also use manipulatives to help illustrate the problem that is being presented and how to reach the answer. The teacher or math program that is helping the child learn the desired math skill must continuously praise the child when they answer a question correctly. This will motivate the child and make them excited and confidant to try to answer another math problem.
Low tech devices: Manipulatives
Using manipulatives like those seen in the photo to the left the teacher can show his or her students how to solve a math problem that they may have trouble understanding. Students may have difficult understanding the concept of subtraction or addition however when given an example using objects they can interact with the student has a better idea of how to complete the problem.
Low tech devices: Number Lines
Students who stuggle to understand simple addition or subtraction problems may find it helpful to use a number line when completing these types of problems. Students can clearly see the order of numbers and can use their fingers or a pencil to reach the sum or difference of the problem that has been presented to them. Numbers line can be made by the teacher using a ruler and marker. The teacher can also explain to his or her students that they may draw their own number line on their homework or other assignments to help them complete the problems.
High tech devices: MathPad
MathPad is software for a computer that is used to help students complete math problems in an easier format. All the student has to do is input the information from the problem they are trying to solve and MathPad inputs the data and presents the problem in a context that they can understand. The teacher can customize MathPad and modify the software so that the screen will not be too bright or change the color scheme of the software to make reading the problems and different buttons easier for a student who has a visual impairment.
High tech devices: CalcuScribe
A CalcuScribe is a high tech device that allows a student to input a difficult math problem into the system to be computed and solved. The Calcuscribe allows student to use complex math symbols that are typically found on a simple calculator. The Calcuscribe also doubles as a word processor so the student not only will be able to solve problems with ease but if they find it easier to take notes while typing they can type the lesson.
(Dell, Assistive technology in the classroom: enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities, 2012)
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