National Library of Virtual Manipulatives

Intended Purpose: I use this website everyday in my math class as a learning center. My students finish their work and go to this website to work on and build math concepts. This website is even better if you have a Smartboard as it allows you to really interact with the different topics.

Abstract: Learning and understanding mathematics, at every level, requires student engagement. Mathematics is not, as has been said, a spectator sport. Too much of current instruction fails to actively involve students. One way to address the problem is through the use of manipulatives, physical objects that help students visualize relationships and applications. We can now use computers to create virtual learning environments to address the same goals.

Justification: Every classroom in the Vermont is required to teach math. This is just one more tool available to teachers.