Technology and Math
for Struggling Learners

by Kim Parra, M.A.
(Revised 10/07)

Learning Objectives of this OnLine Class

1. Learn how struggling learners can use technology to meet the NJCCC Standards.
2. Explore low-tech and high-tech solutions for math.
3. Explore and analyze a collection of web-based resources to support learning math.
4. Develop a math lesson plan for struggling students using technology solutions.

Today's Class:

• Calculators.
• Talking calculators with answer screens and built-in speech synthesizers that state a number or math symbol.
• Talking math worksheets that position the cursor and speak the numerals that are seen on the screen.

• Talking graphing calculator for algebra and geometry at upper levels of math. (click on "products" on upper left hand side of webpage).
  
• Multiple suppliers of products for the blind and visually handicapped.

What is assistive technology? An assistive technology is defined as “an item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capacities of children with disabilities” (Turbull, 2002). Assistive technologies exist on a continuum and can be low-, medium-, or high-tech devices. A high-tech device, like a talking word processor, revolves around electronics or computers (Turbull, 2002). The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1997 calls for regulatory action so that students with disabilities are provided with assistive technology to access curriculum (Wood, 2001).

The following is a continuum of considerations for assistive technology for math, suggested by the Wisconsin  Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI).  The thought process is to begin at the top of the list, with the lowest -tech  item, and move down the list as needed:

• Abacus/ Math Line
• Enlarged math worksheets
• Low-tech alternatives for answering
• Math “Smart Chart”
• Money calculator and Coinulator
• Tactile/voice output measuring devices
• Talking watches/clocks
• Calculator /calculator with print out
• Calculator with large keys and/or large display Talking calculator
• Calculator with special features (e.g. fraction translation)
• On-screen/scanning calculator
• Alternative keyboard programmed for math tasks
• Software with cueing for math computation (may use adapted input methods)
• Software for manipulation of objects
•  Voice recognition software

Let’s go over some low-tech solutions.  I recommend that you use the hyperlinks provided to familiarize yourself with the low tech devices. The activities and assignments that you will work on later in this lesson will require familiarity with these devices.

Low Tech Solutions

Enlarged Math Sheets – Many students with visual problems have difficulty seeing the math problems on a worksheet. Other students struggle with visual clutter. You can easily solve this problem by enlarging your math worksheets on a photocopier machine.

Smart Charts - Math facts can be put on charts to help a struggling student.  Multiplication tables, addition facts, fractions, etc. can be easily be created into charts or purchased

Tactile/Voice Output/Adaptive Measuring Devices - Products such as talking measuring tapes and thermometers have been designed for individuals who are blind and are very useful to students who benefit from auditory feedback.  The Master Ruler is an ideal tool for teaching length.

Talking Clocks/Watches – There are a variety of talking watches, clocks and timers which provide auditory feedback. Many of the clocks offer both digital and analog display to help make the connection between the hands moving around the circle and time they represent.

Calculators - There are numerous calculators with various design features available. Some students benefit from having a printout which is useful because it allows them to check their work and identify errors. Talking calculators are helpful for auditory learners.

The Coin-U-Lator is a calculator with keys shaped and sized exactly like coins along with a smaller dollar bill.  It adds or subtracts amounts and has voice output.

The MoneyCalc is an advanced version of Coin-u-Lator. It has features that Coin-u-Lator has, but it has number keys so it also works like a regular calculator.

The talking desktop calculator speaks the individual digits or whole integers in a female voice (voice output). There is a volume control which also allows the audio to be turned off. It features a large 8 digit LCD readout with numbers that are 5/8" high. The calculator adds, subtracts, divides, multiplies and calculates percentages. 

The Lottie Kit -  (Low Tech Tools for Inclusive Education) Kit is a collection of low and mid tech tools designed for teachers, classroom aides, and support professionals to use with students (grades K-12) who have special needs.  The Lottie Kit allows teachers to informally evaluate and try out simple devices before automatically requiring more sophisticated and expensive technologies. The math kit comes with over 25 different tools, and is the first kit specifically designed for universal access - full of tools which can help all students learn and practice their math skills and more successfully work with paper and pencil math tasks. The kit also includes a notebook with product descriptions as well as a variety of different ideas and strategies for using these tools with students.

ACTIVITY 1:

On the Lotti Kit website, there is a link that says "see all items in this kit."  Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the contents of the math Lottie Kit.  Jot down five items you believe would be helpful to some of your students, and be prepared to discuss your choices when we meet next.

Some of the most exciting new products in the area of math are the new software programs designed to support learning.  Now we move into the area of high-tech solutions.

Math Software

There are a large number of math software programs available to assist students who struggle with math. However, the following products are frequently recommended for students who need specific supports in order to complete math problems:

Number Concepts 1 & 2, MathPad, MathPad Plus, and IntelliMathics 3 – These five software programs come from IntelliTools, Inc. and provide curriculum-based activities designed to reinforce essential math skills.  All of these programs are compatible with the Intellikeys keyboard, and provide speech feedback.

Number Concepts 1 (Grades K-2) and Number Concepts 2 (Grades 3-5) provide practice in counting, beginning addition, subtraction, concepts like greater than and less than, skip counting, place value and factoring.

MathPad (grades K-2) is an easy to use “math processor” that enables students to do math problems directly on the computer.  Students can complete a variety of computations that they would normally do using a pencil and paper. 

MathPad Plus (grades 3-8) is the next level and includes fractions and decimals.

IntelliMathics 3 (grades Pre-K -8) allows students to experience math with everyday activities.  It includes: counting boxes for whole number counting, decimal grids, base ten blocks, sorting bins, etc.  Activities using virtual manipulatives help students see mathematical relationships never fully understood before, along with full voice output.

Virtual Pencil Algebra and Virtual Pencil Arithmetic  is software to help people who are "pencil impaired."  (The software developer suggests that pencil impaired individuals are unable to operate a pencil effectively. That might include someone who is blind or visually impaired, motor impaired, or  learning disabled.) These two programs allow the student to actually do math problems, line for line, showing all their work, on a computer.

Microsoft Word Equation Editor comes installed with Microsoft Word. (Note: In older versions, like Word 97, it must be seperately installed from the installation CD).  It allows you to insert mathematical equations into Word and PowerPoint.  If you go to the highlighted link, there are two short video demonstrations on the website that show you what Equation Editor can do, and how to use it.

MathType is a software program that is the full version of Equation Editor.  Equation Editor is actually a "stripped down" or small version of MathType, and is made by the same company.  MathType has a lot more features, and allows a student to use virtually all arithmetic symbols to create equations and formulas for advanced math and science problems.  This tool is very useful to an advanced student who must use the computer to produce written work. 

The Geometer's Sketchpad - this math program is used to support students with algebra, geometry, and calculus.  Students who have difficulty, or are unable to complete their work with pencil and paper can do so with this program. 

MathTrax -  is a free downloadable  interactive software tool that combines equation analysis, graphs and sound to represent NASA scientific information to K-12 students.  It uses artificial intelligence to analyze equations and then creates text descriptions and graphs of those equations. A graph can be listened to as a mixture of stereo tones. MATHTRAX is accessible to blind and low vision students. MATHTRAX makes math accessible to blind students, or any student who is  not able to use pencil, paper and graphs to study mathematics.

Interactive Web Sites

Interactive websites are a fantastic resource to all teachers. They can be highly interactive, content-rich simulations. Interactive web sites support visual learning. They have the ability to engage students by providing information and resources along with practice, simulations, and other fun learning activities.  Most of all, they are available every day online, and free! 

There are many websites that appear to be simple games. However, they can often be used as springboards for effective activities. For example, go to the The National Budget Simulation page, where students get a feel of the trade-offs which policy makers need to make in creating federal budgets and dealing with deficits.

Finding effective and appropriate interactive math websites can be a fun experience.  Here is a list of some great interactive math web sites to get you started. 

ACTIVITY 3:

1.   Let’s visit one of my favorite interactive sites, Math Playground, Choose a math game, word problem, or logic puzzle and work through it.  Be prepared to share your experience with the class.

2.  Next, you’re going to visit FunBrain and play baseball.  Choose addition, easy or medium, and “Play Ball!”

3.  Here are some questions you should think about: What is your initial reaciton to these websites? Did you like these activities? Why, or why not?  Would you prefer to work on math problems with a pencil and paper on your desk, or work with the interactive websites? Can you think of any students in your program  that  may enjoy  doing math online?