Types of Technology that address Visual-Spatial or Motor Control Difficulties

In my previous post, I reviewed programs that were great for automaticity/ math fact fluency. In this post I will be discussing technology tools for visual-spatial and motor control difficulties. Students with visual-spatial or motor control difficulties may experience trouble with writing numbers, aligning digits in computation problems, and creating visual representations for a number or reasons. These students also may have issues understanding and interpreting their own written work. Some technology tools that may be beneficial from these students are:



MathPad

MathPad: is a talking math worksheet program that enables students to preform arithmetic computations with whole numbers on the computer in much the same way they would using pencil and paper. Students with motor difficulties can demonstrate their skill by simply using the keyboard or clicking the mouse. Other customization features are also available.

MathPad Plus

MathPad Plus: Much as the same as MathPad features except it extends to computations with fractions and decimals.

 

 

Virtual Pencil

Virtual Pencil Arithmetic: Is an educational application designed for students who are unable to operate a pencil effectively. This application makes addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals accessible to students with disabilities. Similar to MathPad is allows students to solve math problems in the same way as using a pencil and paper. Also available for algebra equations too.

Number Navigator (Oats Project): This application does not have as many specialized features as the other applications. This application is used to create mathematical expressions or equations. It is used much like a simple math processor to enter and solve basic math problems on the computer.

I have never used any of these applications before either. After trying them out, I really enjoyed using MathPad. I think students who need help visually showing regrouping would love to use this in the classroom. I look forward to applying these into my classroom.

References:

Dell, A. G., Newton, D. A., & Petroff, J. G. (2012). Assistive technology in the classroom: enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities (2nd ed.). Boston: Pearson.