1. David Young
SBAC, Technology Integration Institute
June 13, 2006

2. 1. What are Virtual Manipulatives? 2. Examples 3. Benefits
Outline
1. What are Virtual Manipulatives?
2. Examples
3. Benefits
4. Suggestions for Use
5. Resources

3. 1. What are Virtual Manipulatives?
"... an interactive, Web-based visual representation of a dynamic object that presents opportunities for constructing mathematical knowledge." (Moyer, Bolyard, & Spikell 2002, p.373)
Moyer, P.S., Bolyard, J.J. & Spikell, M.A. (2002). What Are Virtual Manipulatives? Teaching Children Mathematics. 8(6),

4. Project Interactivate Illuminations (NCTM)
2. Examples
Formal Collections:
NLVM
Project Interactivate
Illuminations (NCTM)
Private Collections
My Virtual Manipulatives
For-Pay Collections
ExploreLearning

5. Easily accessible and manageable Low technological learning curve
3. Benefits
Logistic Benefits:
Easily accessible and manageable
Low technological learning curve
Available out-of-school
Many people can develop them
Can do things that are not possible with Physical Manipulatives, pencil and paper, or other tools

6. Instantaneous, corrective feedback Various representations of concepts
3. Benefits
Teaching Benefits:
Instantaneous, corrective feedback
Various representations of concepts
Link symbolic concepts with concrete representations
Link specific ideas to general understandings
Promotes problem solving and the ability to test hypotheses
Increases attention and motivation (even in teachers)

7. Teachers need to be involved and direct the use of VMs
4. Suggestions for Use of VMs
Teachers need to be involved and direct the use of VMs
Students should have opportunity to reflect and explore
Computer Lab
Classroom Demonstrations
Enrichment or remediation activity

8. See Virtual Handout Links to more VMs My Research on VMs
5. Resources
See Virtual Handout
Links to more VMs
My Research on VMs
SWiSHmax tutorial

9. THE END
Virtual Manipulatives are a very promising tool for mathematics education.
As use, development, and research on VMs increases they will become more effective teaching tools.