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Virtual Manipulatives and Mathematics Education

Presented By Asha Hossain

What is Mathematics?Mathematics is the study of• -Measurement• -Relationships• -Properties of quantities • -Sets• -Numbers and Symbols

Mathematics Education • Mathematical knowledge and skills can be

build through• -Exploration• -Investigation • -Perseverance on complex tasks

Mathematics and TechnologyTechnology is essential in teaching and learning mathematics as it influences mathematics that is taught and enhances students’ learning. (NCTM, 2000)

Benefits of Using Technology in Mathematics Classroom

• Cognitive connection that brings logic and reasoning

• Deeper mathematical understanding

• Higher levels of generalization & abstractions

Common Use of Technology in Math Classroom

• Animations• Geometer’s Sketchpad Software• Video-clips• Spreadsheets • PowerPoint• Scientific and Graphic

Calculator• Virtual Manipulatives• Computer-assisted Instructional

(CAI) Technology

Manipulatives • Manipulatives are blocks, algebra tiles, cubes, rods,

fraction pieces, and pattern blocks that are used in mathematics classes for students to make meaning of abstract ideas and symbols. (Manches, Claire, Benford, 2009)

Uses of Manipulatives

Manipulative can be used to develop

• -Conceptual understanding

• -Problem solving skills• -Connect mathematical

ideas• -Promote attention • -Increase motivation

Concrete Vs. Virtual Manipulatives

Concrete Manipulatives are physical objects students can manipulate to explore and develop an understanding of mathematical concepts.

Virtual Manipulatives are computer-based simulations of physical manipulatives that can be accessed through the internet or computer software.

Virtual Manipulatives

• Blocks• Tangrams• Spinners• Rulers• Fraction Bars• Algebra Tiles• Geoboards• Geometric Plane• Solid Figures

• Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development

• -Manipulative can be used to provide support in learning from concrete to abstract reasoning

• Theory of Constructivism • -Interaction with the material

they are learning allows active construction of knowledge and understanding through problem solving.(Felder, 2002).

Why Virtual Manipulatives?

• Visual representation of abstract mathematical ideas (Highlight conceptual understanding)

• Scaffold student learning• Actively engage students in

learning process

• Allows students to interact, create, and solve problems created on their own

• Immediate feedback regarding their actions

• Ease of access from anywhere ( Home and School)

Virtual Manipulatives Websites

• National Library of Virtual Manipulatives http://nlvm.usu.edu/

• -Project of National Science Foundation• -Developed in year 1999• -Interactive, web-based virtual manipulatives in

the form of Java applets• -Created to provide student engagement in

mathematics learning, visualize mathematical concepts and relationships


• Illuminations http://illuminations.nctm.org/ActivitySearch.aspx

Virtual Manipulatives Websites• Math Playground

http://www.mathplayground.com/math_manipulatives.html


• Explore Learning http://www.explorelearning.com/

Learning Mathematics With Technology

References• Manches, A., Claire O., Malley, Benford S. (2009) The role of

physical representations in solving number problems: A comparison of young children’s use of physical and virtual material. Computer and Education. 54, 622-640.

• Moyer, P.S. (2001) Are we having fun yet? How teachers use Manipulatives to teacher mathematics. Educational Studies in Mathematics. 47(2), 175-197.

• National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2000). Principles and standards for school mathematics. Reston, VA: Author