Calculators and Online Games: Supporting Students With Learning Disabilities in Mathematics

Abstract

With increased technology use in mathematics classrooms, as well as the increased prevalence of online instruction, digital calculators and online games are two types of digital tools that support students with learning disabilities (LD) in elementary and middle school mathematics. Teachers need to understand the advantages and limitations of different options and factors that help determine which tool may be most beneficial to support the goals of the mathematics lesson as well as the individual needs of students with LD. When used appropriately and efficiently, digital mathematics tools, such as calculators and online games, can increase students’ conceptual understanding of mathematics content as well as their confidence and engagement in the mathematics classroom. This column presents a variety of virtual calculators and online math games, why they are effective, how they can be implemented, as well as a short scenario depicting one way the tool can be used in the classroom.