Assistive Technology for Numeracy
Assistive Technologies in math and numeracy are not just for those that have learning disabilities. Assistive technologies can make numeracy more accessible to everyone. Numeracy skills are essential in many aspects of life, from budgeting and paying bills to being on time. Any student may experience difficulties with verbalizing problems, estimation, problem solving, or organization (Akpan & Beard, 2014) and would benefit from the use of AT.
Examples of Assistive Technology for Math & Numeracy
Click on the image to be taken to the website for more information or to try the applications.
Equatio
Equatio is available from Texthelp. It is available in different platforms - Chrome extension, web app, Microsoft, and iOS. It allows students to access STEM in a variety of ways, including equation editor, graphing editor, handwriting recognition, speech recognition, and a screenshot reader. The premium edition integrates into Google applications as well as Microsoft Office applications.
GeoGebra
Geogebra is a suite of math tools including scientific and graphing calculators, as well as geometry tools. These applications allow students to visualize abstract geometry concepts and make them more meaningful. It is available as a web app, and offline on android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Chromebook, and Linux. Teachers can sign up for a free account which gives access to numerous resources to use with classes.
Graspable Math
Graspable Math is a web application which aims to help students understand algebra. It allows users to interact and experiment with mathematical expressions and equations. The app is free to use online, but for teachers to have an account to create activities and classes, it is a paid subscription.
The Math Learning Center
This is a collection of apps designed for K-5 students, such as a geoboard, math vocabulary flashcards, and number lines. Students can share their thinking while solving problems and working with a variety of manipulatives. Their work can easily be shared with others. The apps are free to use and there are some free resources available for teachers.
Sample Lesson
The following is a portion of a typical lesson from senior high math where students explore transformations of quadratic functions. Feel free to try the activity yourself.
The two videos below could be useful for those that may need a little help to get started.
Part A
Learn how to graph a quadratic using a table of values.
Part B
Learn how to use Desmos for graphing functions.
Looking at the lesson, what difficulties could you anticipate students having with the task in Part A? Could these difficulties be overcome by the use of AT?
How would the students' experience be different in Part B? What are the benefits of using AT? Are there any disadvantages of using AT?