Technology for Visual-Spatial or Motor Control Difficulties

Students with fine motor control or visual-spatial issues can struggle to write numbers, align digits to compute answers, and create visual representations.  As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for these students to accurately demonstrate their math knowledge. Educational applications, such as those described below,  that can minimize the handwriting involved in math computation can be very beneficial for these students (Dell, Newton, & Petroff, 2012).

Math Pad
-A talking math worksheet program through which students can perform computations on the computer rather than using pencil and paper
-Only one problem is displayed at a time and digits are properly aligned 
-Speech output feature is helpful for students with visual, reading, and focus issues
-Students receive immediate feedback in the form of all of the steps of the problem and the correct answer

Math Pad Plus
-Includes all of the features of Math Pad as well as computations with fractions and decimals
-Students can also view problems as pie charts, fraction bars, or decimal grids to increase understanding

Virtual Pencil Arithmetic
-Allows students who are unable to operate a pencil effectively to execute math problems through an online program
-Speech feedback reads problems and provides useful information
-Tutorial mode assists students with computation as needed

Virtual Pencil Algebra
-Includes the features of Virtual Pencil Arithmetic as well as algebraic equations

Number Navigator
-Functions as a simple processor for basic math problems
-Colors, fonts, and font sizes can be customized

Microsoft Word Equation Editor
-Enables students to create math equations in correct mathematical notation using mouse control

MathType
-Offers additional symbols in Microsoft to allow students to do a greater variety of equations

Scientific Notebook
-Designed to solve equations for more advanced math classes such as calculus

Meander's Annotator
-Can be an add-on tool for Microsoft Office
-For use with geometry problems

MathPad or MathTalk/Scientific Notebook
-When used with Dragon Naturally Speaking students who require speech recognition can input math calculations by voice then print out their completed work

Efofex Software
-Provide computerized options to construct geometric figures, write equations, create graphs, and construct statistically correct images

Dell, A., Newton, D., & Petroff, J. (2012). Assistive technology in the classroom. Boston:  

      MA:  Pearson.