Virtual manipulatives for mathematics explained

Virtual manipulatives for mathematics are digital representations of physical mathematics manipulatives used in classrooms.[1] The goal of this technology is to allow learners to investigate, explore, and derive mathematical concepts using concrete metaphors.[2] [3]

Common manipulatives include base ten blocks, coins, 3D blocks, tangrams, rulers, fraction bars, algebra tiles, geoboards, geometric planes, and solid figures.

Use in special education

Virtual math manipulatives are sometimes included in the general academic curriculum as assistive technology for students with physical or mental disabilities.[4] Students can still participate in activities using virtual manipulatives if they are unable to engage in physical activity.

Virtual math manipulatives also do not require any form of physical transportation and as a consequence are sometimes used to assist students who are unable to attend school regularly because of poor health or other difficulties.[5] [6]

Further reading

External links

Notes and References

  1. Moyer. P.S.. 2002. What are Virtual Manipulatives?. Teaching Children Mathematics. 8. 6. 372–377. 10.5951/TCM.8.6.0372.
  2. Carbonneau. K.J.. 2013. A meta-analysis of the efficacy of teaching mathematics with concrete manipulatives.. Journal of Educational Psychology. 105. 2. 380–400. 10.1037/a0031084.
  3. Book: Silva R., Costa C., Martins, F.. Using Mathematical Modelling and Virtual Manipulatives to Teach Elementary Mathematics . 2021. Technology and Innovation in Learning, Teaching and Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-73988-1_6.. Communications in Computer and Information Science. 1884. 75–89. 10.1007/978-3-030-73988-1_6. 978-3-030-73987-4. 234959877.
  4. Bouck. Emily C.. Anderson. Rubia D.. Long. Holly. Sprick. Jessica. 2021-02-26. Manipulative-Based Instructional Sequences in Mathematics for Students With Disabilities. TEACHING Exceptional Children. 54. 3. en. 178–190. 10.1177/0040059921994599. 233907400. 0040-0599.
  5. Satsangi . Rajiv . Miller . Bridget . 2017 . The Case for Adopting Virtual Manipulatives in Mathematics Education for Students with Disabilities . Preventing School Failure . en . 61 . 4 . 303–310 . 10.1080/1045988X.2016.1275505 . 1045-988X . 152099008.
  6. Satsangi . Rajiv . Hammer . R. . Evmenova . A. . 2018 . Teaching Multistep Equations with Virtual Manipulatives to Secondary Students with Learning Disabilities . Learning Disabilities Research & Practice . 33 . 2 . 99–111 . 10.1111/ldrp.12166 . 149871579.