What is the tool?
The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives is an interactive learning website for mathematics. This website offers N.C.T.M. (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) aligned activities that can be an exciting alternative to physical manipulatives such as base ten blocks and fraction bars.
How can this tool be used?
The N.L.V.M. could definitely serve as an effective tool in order provide enjoyable practice activities that could potentially help correct conceptual and procedural error patterns in computation.
What are the advantages of this tool?
There is a plethora of activities for each N.C.T.M. content area (number and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, and data analysis and probability). The website is very easy to navigate, as the user simply chooses the grade level (Pre-K-2, 3-5, 6-8, or 9-12) and the desired content area. After that, the user is directed to a large list of online games and activities that all include small thumbnail pictures and brief descriptions. The standard, instructions, and additional information for the teacher, parent, or student is only a click away. The main advantage of this tool, in my opinion, is that it provides a meaningful and fun way to learn math while utilizing technological tools. It can even be used with a Smart Board! Even more so, the kids enjoy it!
What are the disadvantages of this tool?
Some of the activities are VERY confusing at first glance. I have even had trouble comprehending how to use some of them, but if one reads the instructions clearly, he or she should be good to go.
Another disadvantage is that for some of the activities, the numbers one can "plug in" only go up to 30 or 100, which may not be high enough for the particular math problem with which one is dealing.
Who is the audience for this tool?
The audience for this tool is any parent, teacher, or student (grades Pre-K-12)
Where can we learn more about this tool?
Federal Resources for Educational Excellence
Math and Teaching Technology Innovation
What is your opinion on the usefulness of this tool?
I believe this can be a very useful tool to incorporate into the mathematics curriculum. Students can have the opportunity to actively participate in their own learning by utilizing the virtual manipulatives to foster both mathematical development and technological skills.
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