For students with visual-spatial or motor control difficulties there are some technological options available to help them in the quest for math knowledge.
Math Pad is a program that creates talking worksheets for whole number math learning. The student can use the keyboard or mouse or a scanning feature to allow them to respond. Problems are revealed one at a time and the problems are lined up in correct digit position. There is speech output available for the learners that struggle with reading or visual impairments. This program can help the student that has attention or focusing issues. The teacher can put math problems in and feedback will be given immediately. This allows the student to see where the mistakes are occurring. Math Pad Plus raises the level to include fractions and decimals. To assist the visual learners, there are charts and graphs that the student can move and adjust to help him see the math problem.
Virtual pencil - is for the "pencil impaired" student. For the student that is motor impaired or blind or that has a learning disability that interferes with writing this program offers all math basics and also can be set to tutorial mode. There is an Algebra level for the students in higher level math.
Number Navigator - is a very basic math processor that allows for the creation of math expressions or equations and for their solving.
Math Type - This is a program for advanced math with more symbols, greater number of equations and color enhancement to bring clarity to equations and solutions.
Scientific Notebook - This brings the programs to a whole new level. This program can work in calculus, vector calculus, transformation and matrices.
Meander's Annotator - This allows for work in Geometry. USing a part of Microsoft office student can draw on diagrams, properly show congruent angles, parallel lines and plot on a XY graph.
These next programs require Dragon Naturally Speaking software in order to supply the support of voice to text. or in this case voice to math equations/numbers. Math can be inputted by voice and then printed to show the work. The programs are Math Pad by Voice and Math Talk/Scientific Notation.
There really seems to be no limit on what technology can help the student with some specific learning disabilities in doing. This technology addresses the needs of the physically challenged, visually impaired and students with reading difficulties and those that need immediate feedback. While it cannot reach all students, it provides help and support for many.
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