Virtual manipulatives for mathematics

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Base Ten blocks for math Base Ten Block.png
Base Ten blocks for math

Virtual manipulatives for mathematics are digital representations of mathematics manipulatives based on the physical manipulatives used in classrooms. [1] They are generally used to introduce mathematical concepts using visuals and are used for teaching students new topics that may be more difficult to explain in other ways. [2] [3]

Contents

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 be included in activities using virtual manipulatives if they cannot 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

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References

  1. Moyer, P.S. (2002). "What are Virtual Manipulatives?". Teaching Children Mathematics. 8 (6): 372–377. doi: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. doi:10.1037/a0031084.
  3. Silva R., Costa C., Martins, F. (2021). "Using Mathematical Modelling and Virtual Manipulatives to Teach Elementary Mathematics". Technology and Innovation in Learning, Teaching and Education. Communications in Computer and Information Science. Vol. 1884. pp. 75–89. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-73988-1_6. ISBN   978-3-030-73987-4. S2CID   234959877.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  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): 178–190. doi:10.1177/0040059921994599. ISSN   0040-0599. S2CID   233907400.
  5. Satsangi, Rajiv; Miller, Bridget (2017). "The Case for Adopting Virtual Manipulatives in Mathematics Education for Students with Disabilities". Preventing School Failure. 61 (4): 303–310. doi:10.1080/1045988X.2016.1275505. ISSN   1045-988X. S2CID   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. doi:10.1111/ldrp.12166. S2CID   149871579.