INTERACTIVE DIGITAL

MANIPULATIVES

Discussant

ADA MAE I. ROBLES

What is the difference between a simple

manipulative from a digital manipulative?

In mathematics, a manipulative is an object which is designed so that a learner can perceive some mathematical concepts by manipulating it. Itis also calledconcretemanipulative.

Interlocking cubes Pattern blocks

Polydron Clock

Blocks

Coins

Tangrams Algebra tiles

Solid FiguresTower of HanoiAbacus &Calculator

Algebra tiles

Digital manipulative is also known as virtual manipulative. It is a relatively new technology and are modeled after existing simple

  manipulatives such as base ten blocks, coins, blocks, tangrams, spinners, rulers, fraction bars, algebra tiles, geoboards, geometric plane, and solids figures.

Two studies have compared the use of virtual manipulatives to more traditional materials. Suh and Moyer (2007) compared the use of concrete and virtual manipulatives in third grade students studying algebraic thinking. Both types of manipulatives were associated with higher achievement and increased flexibility in representing algebraic concepts.

How manipulatives can support mathematics

learning?

1.) Manipulatives can help students

understand abstract concepts in mathematics.

Concrete manipulatives help students with disabilities improve their understanding of the abstract symbolic language of mathematics. Concrete manipulatives can also be used to clarify misconceptions and build connections between mathematical concepts and representations, fostering more precise and richer understandings.

Students who struggle in mathematics often have trouble connecting visual and symbolic representations; virtual manipulatives can make such connections explicit to students. Students who struggle in mathematics often have trouble connecting visual and symbolic representations; virtual manipulatives can make such connections explicit to students.

2.) Virtual manipulatives may lead to more

complex, richer understandings

of concepts.

Although findings on this point are limited, classroom-based action research shows that student use of virtual manipulatives is sometimes more complex than their use of concrete manipulatives. This is due in part to the availability of unlimited objects—versus a finite set.

Also, virtual objects can be altered in ways that concrete ones cannot, for example, the size, shape, and color of a block can be changed. Thus, in many instances, students can create more examples using virtual versus physical objects.

3.) Students need guidance in understanding the concepts that

manipulatives represent

Manipulatives by themselves have no inherent meaning. It is important for teachers to make this meaning explicit and help students build connections between the concrete materials and the abstract symbols that they represent. This holds true for both concrete and virtual manipulatives, but virtual manipulatives often have this type of structure built in.

Many virtual manipulative activities give students hints and feedback, something that the more traditional concrete manipulatives cannot do without teacher assistance.

Examples of Digital Manipulatives

In Mathematics

Pan Balance – Numbers  is a manipulative that

is based on the balance pans that are used with younger children to demonstrate the concept of equality.

TangramsIt is based on the ancient Chinese tangram blocks. The blocks can be dragged, rotated, and flipped in order to copy designs.

Number & Operations (Grades 6 - 8)

Abacus – an electronic abacus that can be used to do arithmetic.

Base Blocks – illustrate addition and subtraction in a variety of bases.

Base Blocks Addition – Use base ten blocks to model grouping in addition.

Base Blocks Decimals – add and subtract decimal values using base blocks.

Base Blocks Subtraction – use base ten blocks to model separation of groups in subtraction.

Factor Tree – factor numbers using a tree diagram.

References:http://www.cited.org/index.aspx?page_id=151http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manipulative_(mathematics)http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/category_g_3_t_1.htmlhttp://www.mathplayground.com/math_manipulatives.html

Thank You!!!