Although they allow the student to answer the problem, they do not give the teacher or parent insight into the child's thought processes or their grasp of the concepts behind the problem. Numbers are entered using the computer keyboard, and the program automatically sets them up so the student can work the same problems assigned to typical peers. Both of these programs print out worksheets and can be set to provide feedback about the accuracy of responses. Some students with physical disabilities may be unable to manipulate the blocks in the ways that help their typical peers master the new concept. Although many programs claim to develop math concepts and computation skills, you need one that focuses on the specific skills your child is working on and that provides sufficient practice opportunities to master the concepts.
Many students depend on a calculator for mathematical computations.
Standard calculators can be a problem for students with disabilities because of their small buttons, the small text on the buttons, and visual displays that are difficult to read. It allows users to customize their onscreen calculator by selecting button and background colors, and specifying the size, style, and color of the font. The use of reference materials such as atlases or encyclopedias, for example, is often required as part of classroom or independent research projects. While studying magnetism, for example, a student can manipulate onscreen magnets to learn about the effect of placing like or unlike poles together. Graphic organizers, already mentioned as an aid to written expression, can be invaluable in the content areas as well.