Using Assistive Technology in Mathematics
We All Operate At Unique Levels
For some, number crunching and calculations can come naturally. Finding the value of X divided by the product of Y x Z can come to some students as if it were second nature. A number of students even wind up transforming their mathematical skills into future careers.
While these are astounding truths for some, many students view mathematics as an ongoing struggle. These students' experiences can severely damage their academic confidence. Students who fall under this category need as much mathematical practice as possible. While a teacher can make an enormous difference in any student's life and academics, the ability for a student to advance and develop their academics individually with assistive technology allows students to take their math skills to new levels.
One of the most commonly used, and accessibly available forms of assistive technology is interactive websites. Hundreds, if not thousands, of interactive mathematical websites are currently online. Many engage students by creating game-like scenarios where students practice their math skills and concepts while advancing through interactive gameplay activities and levels. For instance, one level may require a student to complete ten multiplication equations, or a handful of word problems before advancing to the next level. This process makes learning and practicing math enjoyable and entertaining for students. They will feel as if they are playing a game, while simultaneously enhancing their preexisting, and establishing their undeveloped skillsets.
In addition to supporting students who perform below grade level, assistive technologies like interactive websites support educators themselves. For example, a given class may have up to thirty different students. These students may perform at all various grade levels. Instances like this can make providing all students with the appropriate services extremely difficult. Interactive websites enable students to work at their own level and at their own pace. They can develop their skills on their own while their teachers simultaneously provide them with similar services.
The following urls will bring you to two popular interactive math websites: Frontrow and Symphony Math
https://www.frontrowed.com/
http://symphonylearning.com/
While these are astounding truths for some, many students view mathematics as an ongoing struggle. These students' experiences can severely damage their academic confidence. Students who fall under this category need as much mathematical practice as possible. While a teacher can make an enormous difference in any student's life and academics, the ability for a student to advance and develop their academics individually with assistive technology allows students to take their math skills to new levels.
One of the most commonly used, and accessibly available forms of assistive technology is interactive websites. Hundreds, if not thousands, of interactive mathematical websites are currently online. Many engage students by creating game-like scenarios where students practice their math skills and concepts while advancing through interactive gameplay activities and levels. For instance, one level may require a student to complete ten multiplication equations, or a handful of word problems before advancing to the next level. This process makes learning and practicing math enjoyable and entertaining for students. They will feel as if they are playing a game, while simultaneously enhancing their preexisting, and establishing their undeveloped skillsets.
In addition to supporting students who perform below grade level, assistive technologies like interactive websites support educators themselves. For example, a given class may have up to thirty different students. These students may perform at all various grade levels. Instances like this can make providing all students with the appropriate services extremely difficult. Interactive websites enable students to work at their own level and at their own pace. They can develop their skills on their own while their teachers simultaneously provide them with similar services.
The following urls will bring you to two popular interactive math websites: Frontrow and Symphony Math
https://www.frontrowed.com/
http://symphonylearning.com/