AT for Math

In my previous blog I discussed learning disabilities and how AT can assist students with reading disabilities.  For this post, I am going to focus on how education devices and software can assist in the teaching of math for students with disabilities.

All of the information provided below is from Assistive Technology in the Classroom: enhancing the school experience of students with disabilities by Amy G. Dell, Deborah A. Newton and Jerry G. Petroff

The key questions that should be considered when selecting education applications to meet students' goals and objectives are...

What is the intended outcome of the use of education application?  For example, is it meant to strengthen math skills in problem solving or is meant to build speed and accuracy with basic math fact? (p. 120)

Is the education applications likely to fulfill its stated purpose? For example, if the stated purpose of the activity is to build problem-solving skills, does it provide the explanatory feedback needed to do so or simply assess whether or not problems are solved correctly? (p. 120)

Can the educational applications be used as an alternative to traditional classroom activities to enhance students' participation? For example, will students learn as effectively using online math manipulatives as they would using traditional manipulatives? (p. 120)

The educational applications that can be used to address automaticity/math fact fluency are...

FFAST Math (Fluency and Automaticity through Systematic Teaching and Technology)

This program assess students' math skills then creates customized activities based on the students needs.  Student practice and progress through the set of activities to memorization and master math facts. (p. 125)

Timez Attack (Big Brainz)
This program focuses on the application of multiplication factors between 2-12.  Timez Attack is a high-tech video game, which engages a variety of students.  (p. 125)

ArithmAttack 
This program consists of basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division games. Activities can be program to meet the needs of students. (p.125)

Arcademic Skill Builder
This program is designed to build fluency in addition, subtraction, multiplication, dividsion, integers fractions and ratios.  Arcademic Skill Builder is a multiplayer and single-user system.  All games are played online. (p.126)

The educational applications that can be used to address visual-spacial or motor control difficulties are...

MathPad (Cambium Learning)
This program is a talking worksheet program that allows students to solve math problems without using a pencil, instead students use a computer keyboard or mouse.  In addition, worksheets can be scanned into the the system, which allows the user to manipulate the worksheet to meet his/her needs.  The text can be enlarged, display on problem at a time, and customize voice output. When the user is finished the worksheet, it can be printed and all of the students work is displayed. This program helps a variety of students! (p. 128)

Virtual Pencil
This program allows students to who are unable to operate a pencil to learn and execute math operations.  For instance, this program assists students who are blind, have motor impairments or have learning disabilities that impact the students' ability to write. Similar to MathPad the software allows the students us solve problems the same way as students without disabilities. VP will read problems to students, has a tutorial mode to keep student on task and can test students. VP is available for arithmetic and algebra practice. (p.128)

Microsoft Word
This everyday word processor is also a math processors.  The program benefits students with excellent mouse skills. (p. 128)

Math Talk/Notebook
This program works with Dragon Naturally Speaking technology. Students will speak and solve problems using his/her voice. (p. 129)

Educational applications that can be used to teach math concepts, math skills and problem solving are...

National Library of Virtual Manipulative
Research indicate students learn mathematics best through the use of manipulative. This resources and others allow students to manipulate virtual objects to gain a more practical understanding of math concepts. (p. 132)

Internet 4 Classroom
Web resource that helps educators find high-quality website for math instruction in grades PreK-8  (p. 132)

Conceptua Math
This website focuses on the practice of factions and provide educators with virtual tools to enhance whole class learning. (p. 133)

Destination Math
This program is designed to develop students' math reasoning, conceptual understanding and problem solving skills. (p. 133) 

Some low-tech and mid-tech adaptations that can assist students with disabilities in completing math assignments are...

Math blocks
Rubber stamps
Manipulative number line
Talking calculators
See n' Solve Calculators
"Coin abacus"

Reference:

Dell, A. G., Newton, D., & Petroff, J. (2011). Assistive technology in the classroom, enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities. Allyn & Bacon.