[NIFL-TECHNOLOGY:3781] adaptive technology and mathematics

From: Mariann Fedele (mariannf@lacnyc.org)
Date: Fri Sep 23 2005 - 09:13:01 EDT


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From: Mariann Fedele <mariannf@lacnyc.org>
To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov>
Subject: [NIFL-TECHNOLOGY:3781] adaptive technology and mathematics
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The below message is re-posted from the NIFL learning Disabilites
discussion list.
__________________________________________________________


>From: "Christopher Lee" <christopherlee@mindspring.com>


>Hello Michele,
>This was not an easy question - made a few calls and tried to see what other
>people were doing in this area. Without hanging out with the students it is
>hard to evaluate what AT and services would be the best. However, I would
>consider looking at math software programs for students who are blind.  I
>have listed information on the Virtual Pencil as well as other resources
>below.
>
>Hentermatn.com has a product called the virtual pencil (see description
>below) which I have heard good things about -- I have not been trained on it
>but I know a few people that have... and they speak very highly of it.  
>
>There are currently two products 
>1)VP Arithmetic handles addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division,
>with fractions and decimals; 
>2)VP Algebra handles quantities, radicals, exponents, subscripts, Greek
>letters, absolute values, matrices, fractions, and many editing features. It
>runs only in Windows, from Windows 95 and newer.  From my understanding
>there is some set up on the teachers part at the beginning.
>
>The great thing is that you can download a demo from the downloads page.
>Future versions will do higher levels of math, like trigonometry,
>differential equations, and calculus. The products range in price for
>150-400.
>
>Michelle if you would like for me to put you in-contact with someone that
>has gone through the training -let me know
>
>Product Description for the Hentermath website 
>The traditional pencil is a problem for people who are blind, or people who
>can't grip it or move it, or those who are learning disabled. A pencil plays
>a key part in learning Math, and other equation-solving disciplines.
>Typically a student uses a pencil to "work through" a math problem, writing
>down the intermediate answers and using them to get the final answer. But if
>you can't operate a pencil then you can't write down the intermediate
>answers, which makes it very difficult to use them in acquiring the final
>answer, and does not leave anything on the paper to show that you actually
>worked through the problem and you know how to solve it. Of course, if you
>are blind, the pencil doesn't tell you what numbers to add together either.
>
>Other resource you might what to check out 
>
>http://hentermath.com/
>https://commerce35.datapipe.com/hentermath/order1.asp
>These are geared toward the blind - but as you know they would have appeal
>to individuals with LD because of the multimedia (sound) component.
>http://www.utahvi.com/math.htm
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: nifl-ld@nifl.gov [mailto:nifl-ld@nifl.gov] On Behalf Of Michele Anne
>Craig
>Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2005 8:01 PM
>To: Multiple recipients of list
>Subject: [NIFL-LD:4861] Ways to present mathematics
>
>
>
>Christopher,
>
>I was wondering if you have any suggestions for adaptive technology or ways
>to teach mathematics to students who have visual-spatial processing
>problems, either from traumatic brain injury or from a learning disability.
>I am specifically thinking about long division, which seems to be very
>confusing.
>
>Michele Craig
>Woodland Adult School
>
>
>
>
>
>



Mariann Fedele
Coordinator of Professional Development, 
Literacy Assistance Center
Moderator,
NIFL Technology and Literacy Discussion List
32 Broadway 10th Floor
New York, New York 10004
212-803-3325
mariannf@lacnyc.org
www.lacnyc.org



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