Date :10/17/07
EDPC 610 Foundations II
Name of the tool: MathPad.
Manufacturer : Intellitools
Website : http://www.synapseadaptive.com/intellitools
Grade level recommended for: Elementary.
Description : A software that can be used on Macintosh system 7 or higher,4MB RAM and is accessible by mouse, Intellkeys and switch.
Price :$79.95(single copy)
Who needs this technology?
MathPad is a useful tool for students who need help in organizing math problems, for those who have difficulty doing paper and pencil math problems, and also for children with vision problem that require large -size print or speech feedback.
What does research say about its effectiveness?
Results of any research are not available. However, experience has shown a well designed math software can support student learning in a positive way. Studies conducted have proven that computer-aided instruction is an effective tool for mathematics instruction( Goldman & Pellegrine,1987; Okolo, Bohr & Reith ,1993).
How will it help learning & participation in an inclusion class?
MathPad is a broad spectrum learning tool .It is not only useful for those children with learning disability but would also prove beneficial for others too. Its unique feature which lets one enter the problem and MathPad does the checking and provides a feedback too ,allows it to be used for math practice and drill by one and all.
Would you recommend its use?
It’s a good interactive tool .A useful device with unique features that allows the teacher to use it as an effective learning device for children with diverse learning abilities in an inclusion setting.
Resources:
http://www.gatfl.org/Idguide/
http://www.synapseadaptive.com/intellitools/
http://www.Idoline.org/article/6243.
3 comments:
The look of the division problem is really appealing. Using graph paper to lay out the steps of long division helps children line up the numbers properly, but even then, students with vision or motor control issues have a hard time getting the numbers into the little squares. It's also hard for them to understand why they have to struggle to line the numbers up in a certain way. This program does it for them, and the more they see a correct pattern (in long division or some other skill), the greater the chance that the light bulb will go off in their brain.
The intellitools website has quite a list of assistive technologies to investigate.
The MathPad seems to be a useful tool for students in general or special education who struggle with long division. I have used many different approaches including grid paper in order to show how the numbers line up in long division. I agree with the comment by Mary regarding students having problems getting the numbers into the little squares on grid paper. In my situation, the students who had not mastered place value had the most difficulty lining up the numbers when doing long division. I believe this program offers an alternative approach to students who have difficulty doing long division on paper.
I think this is great, the lstudent gets the instant gratification they seem to crave. Like a video game they need to know the outcome right now
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