Educational Applications to Teach Math Concepts, Math Skills, and Problem Solving

In order to be successful in math, students do not only need to develop automaticity, but an understanding of mathematical procedures and concepts to effectively solve problems. Manipulatives are a very useful tool for students to use when understanding abstract math concepts. However, students with disabilities may not always be able to effectively access this hands-on approach. We have looked at various applications that will assist students in developing automaticity and also applications that will remove barriers for students who may have visual-spatial or motor-difficulties. In this post, we will look at some applications that will provide students with disabilities a way to develop more a more conceptual understanding of math.  

Virtual Manipulatives

Teachers can look to the internet as a great resource to obtain virtual manipulatives. Here are some sites to explore for more information:

·         National Libraryof Virtual Manipulatives

·         National Councilof Teachers of Mathematics

·         ComputingTechnology for Math Excellence

·         Internet 4Classrooms

Other Resources to Teach Math Concepts, Skills, and Problem Solving 

·         Math Playground- provides math games, word problems, and logic puzzles for free!

·         Conceptua Math- Includes assessments to monitor student progress in fractions and teachers can use it for whole group instruction.

·         Destination Math (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Learning Technology) - Uses animation and audio output to engage students in their development of math reasoning, conceptual understanding, and problem solving.

As a teacher I know that many math programs being used in schools today come with virtual components that provide many of the same features as the above mentioned programs including virtual manipulatives that are great to use during whole class instruction!