Math Challenges Tools, and Resources

What are some common areas that students struggle with in mathematics?

Mathematics has been a very difficult subjects over the years. Statistics show that only 40% of 4th graders and 33% grade students performed proficiently on the last National Assessment in mathematics in 2015.
Some of the common areas that students struggle with in mathematics are difficulties reading math problems and notation ; they have problems interpreting language or vocabulary. Many students, despite a good understanding of mathematical concepts, are inconsistent at computing ; they are unable to identify and organize steps that are outlined, and also difficulties aligning numbers and forming shapes.

Math AT Tool

One assistive technology tool that I would use in my class to assist students who are struggling with mathematics is the Electronic Math Worksheets. Electronic math worksheets are software programs that can help students organize, align, and work through math problems on a computer screen. Numbers that appear onscreen can also be read aloud via a speech synthesizer. This may be helpful to students who struggle with aligning math problems with pencil and paper. This tool will be beneficial to students with sensory impairment or students with learning disabilities  who struggle with writing, listening, memory, and reading. This tool will also enable students to use virtual manipulatives to assist them in solving math problems.

Resources for Electronic Math Worksheet

Assistive technology (AT) tools for math are designed to help students who struggle with math,

http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/electronic-math-worksheets/

Electronic Math Worksheets. These worksheets can help a student organize, align and navigate through basic math problems on a computer screen. Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division problems are entered by keyboard or mouse and automatically aligned to the correct vertical format

http://scatp.med.sc.edu/ld_math.htm

http://www.mathtalk.com/.

Technology and Communication

How can technology facilitate communication.

Technology has transformed the way we communicate over the last few decades; instead of mailing letters we now have the option of emailing which is faster and gives you the option of sending the same document to multiple recipients.
Communication is an essential aspect of our everyday life; to be able to express our thoughts. feelings, and ideas is very important in us being successful in society. Technology's emergence especially in the area of electronic communication such as cellular phones, social media, and instant messaging has helped to facilitate communication.
Assistive technology such as computers and iPads with special apps like text-to-speech helps facilitate communication in students with disabilities.

How can UDL be applied to teaching students who are deaf and blind?

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework with flexible curriculum and learning environment that enables students with disabilities to be successful in the classroom; it values the diversity of all learners. UDL framework provides accessible, responsive, motivating, and meaningful learning environments for all students. By applying the UDL principles, students who are deaf and blind can be taught by using multiple means of representation; this is how the information is presented to the students which for example would be through a computer app with braille capabilities that would enable the student who is deaf and blind to be presented the same information that is being presented to other students. Action and expression offers options and support so that all students can create, learn and share. They are provided with multiple means of expressing their understanding through different options such as text-to-speech which would enable the student to speak their response in a device which would translate the message to words instead of the student having to type a response. Engagement is how the student will be provided an opportunity and autonomy to be involved in classroom activities. This stimulates motivation and enthusiasm for learning in different ways.

AT Tool for working with Students with Sensory Impairment

Sensory impairment is when one of the senses is challenged. Students with a sensory impairment has reduced ability or lack of ability in using one or more of three senses-vision, touch, and hearing. Sensory impairment can range from mild to severe which can significantly impact ones daily living.

One assistive tool for working with students with sensory impairment that I would implement in my classroom is an iPad with audible exam reader app. Audible Exam Reader is an app that enable students to download exams to their phones and have it read out the questions for them, without requesting any help from the teacher. This will enable students to focus and formulate responses. This app is very easy to use and is available in 5 languages. It has the capabilities of replaying, pausing and skipping questions which will give the students control of their exams.

                                       

Resources for Audible Exam Reader

Audio Exam Player (iPad), this app allows students to hear their test questions read aloud to them on their iPad.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/audio-exam-player/id673349857?mt=8Audio

Audio Exam Player, By Michael Matv, gives students a superior way of independently hearing test questions read aloud with human speech or mechanical speech

http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/apps/audio-exam-player-ipad-free

UDL Lesson Plan

What Makes UDL Lesson Plan Different?

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is different in that it is a flexible approach to learning that provides each learner with total and equal opportunities to learn. This lesson is customized so that each learner will learn the way that suits them best. According to the National Center on the Universal Design for Learning, "UDL seeks to minimize barriers and maximize flexibility". The Universal Design for Learning provides flexibility in the way information is presented and how students responds to the knowledge and how they are engaged. The Universal Design for Learning also reduces barriers to the instruction and also provides accommodation, support, and high expectations for students, even those with disabilities and language barriers.

 UDL is based on three principles:

1. Multiple means of representation which means that the teacher provides the learner with different options to learn the information that is being presented for example using video, slideshows, lectures, graphic images - no single method is always best, as opposed to "chalk and talk". 

2.  Multiple Means of Expression which gives learners an alternative for demonstrating that which they know. Students will be required engage in numerous activities in expressing what they learn for example composing and editing essays on the computer instead of composing it on paper; they are also allowed to used text to speech to express themselves if they have speech defects. Using the UDL framework, every student is allowed to express themselves despite their ability.
3. Multiple Means of Engagement is when you tap into the learners interest, challenge and motivate them appropriately. Students' diversity should be taken into consideration when engaging students.For example, when teaching a math lesson about place value, instead of teacher presenting the lesson in a lecture form, the teacher could use a smart -board and allow students to demonstrate and interact using the smart-board instead of just drawing objects on a white board.
The UDL lesson caters to the different learning styles, enables students to understand which means of presentation, expression, and engagement are best for the learner.

How to Determine a Lesson Assessment

Just as the Universal design for learning lessons are designed to be flexible and accessible to all students, so should the assessment method be. The main goal of the assessment should be the students - what are the abilities, are their language barriers, visual disability ect. In a UDL all students work towards the same goal but they use different methods to achieve them so is the assessment, where students are assessed to see how much they have learned but by using different assessment tools. For example, in a 2nd grade class, students are learning about measuring tool, the goal is for students to be able to identify at least 3 measuring tools and their functions. Some students will be required to draw and label at least 3 measuring tools, some will be required to highlight them on their iPad by just a touch of a button, others may be required to make a model using clay; this is dependent on the students varying abilities.

 

Resources for UDL Lesson Planning 

National Center on Universal Design and Learning
http://www.udlcenter.org/

The Iris Center on UDL Lessons
 http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/udl/cresource/q2/p08/udl_08_link_lpudl/

Mutliple Means of Representation - Amazing Space
http://amazing-space.stsci.edu

Cast UDL Curriculum Self Check
http://udlselfcheck.cast.org/resources.php

How to Plan UDL Lesson
http://blog.brookespublishing.com/6-steps-to-planning-udl-lessons-3-teacher-stories/