The list of technological tools available to educators continues to grow, with new devices and applications rolling out at a breakneck pace. In turn, teachers must discover how to best introduce programs to their students, especially those poised to benefit the most from assistive technology. Understanding the role of technology becomes even more crucial in mathematics education. Calculators, computer graphics and other data visualization tools help students understand the meaning behind the equations.
Graduates of Norfolk State University’s online Master of Arts (M.A.) in Urban Education – Mathematics program can expect to not only master mathematical concepts but also learn how to tailor their lesson plans and instruction to meet the needs of all students. By the time they are teaching in the classroom or managing other educators, these rising leaders will feel comfortable addressing varied student needs to ensure their success.
Differentiated Instruction for Mathematics
Every math teacher can implement instructional strategies that help individuals with disabilities understand and enjoy math. To interest students in learning and capitalize on their abilities, educators should adhere to certain principles in their curriculum, according to Illustrative Mathematics.
Lessons should maximize engagement and accessibility by following the same easy-to-follow structure: warm-up, followed by activities, synthesis and a cool-down period to discuss what students learned. Keeping the program consistent allows students to know what to expect each day and focus on the new math concept rather than the lesson structure, reducing their stress about what comes next. Lessons can also move from individual learning to pairs or from small groups to the whole class so that students can share the “weight” of learning and find support among peers.
Crucially, educators must understand how to effectively use assistive technology to help students with learning disabilities, visualization needs or autism. Assistive tech can include smartphone-based applications, which help visually impaired or blind people with text-to-speech or voice command features to help students understand what’s on the screen, according to a 2023 academic research article published in Information Technology for Social Good.
Assistive technology can also feature web-based applications to create images, diagrams, color-coded charts and other visual aids for students who need more support with conceptual processing and language. According to Illustrative Mathematics, the following are some examples of ways educators can utilize these applications:
- Creating color palettes distinguishable to people with the most common types of color blindness
- Forming graphics that can be rendered in Braille
- Using artificial intelligence to generate descriptions of images compatible with a screen reader
Ensuring Equitable Access to Learning Opportunities
Educators can use assistive technology to enhance the learning experience for all students. Visual aids and web-based applications, including math games, can increase engagement with students and make the lessons more relatable to their everyday lives, according to Texthelp.
Technological tools can also automatically personalize learning by responding to a student’s mastery — or lack thereof — of a math concept. Assistive math games like DoodleMaths, Happy Numbers and DreamBox Math provide immediate feedback to students and teachers, measuring progress and helping students correct their mistakes in real time. Students also gain literacy and computer skills as they move through the software and applications, many of which are free online.
However, not every assistive technology device or item needs to be computer-based. Low-tech items include paper money, shapes, solids and measuring devices to help students visualize a concept, according to Paths to Literacy. Allowing students to physically touch items and manipulate them to solve a math problem can be crucial to understanding an idea, especially for those who learn best through spatial awareness.
Paths to Literacy advises educators to familiarize themselves with the assistive tech before introducing it to students. Students should also feel empowered to navigate those tools with built-in help options.
Master Assistive Technology to Increase Student Engagement With Norfolk State University
As part of Norfolk State’s online M.A. Urban Education – Mathematics program, students complete coursework focused on diverse student needs and pathways to success. The Introduction to Exceptional Children course provides a foundation for educating individuals with disabilities and special gifts.
From philosophical perspectives to developmental and cultural differences, the course provides an overview of how students are influenced within their schools, homes and communities. Educators participate in a 20-hour clinical experience as part of the course. Through Norfolk State’s program, educators explore the most effective methods to ensure that all students, regardless of their background or disability, can successfully gain competency in math concepts.
Learn more about Norfolk State University’s online Master of Arts in Urban Education – Mathematics program.