Many people have difficulty with maths. Frequently, people with dyslexia or ADHD have co-occurring difficulties including dyscalculia, which is a specific difficulty in processing number based concepts and in using basic numeracy skills. This may include:
Difficulties in recognising that four pens is the same as the number four
Have difficulty with concepts such as addition, subtraction etc
Have difficulty estimating numbers
Have difficulty in time keeping, estimating the time and in telling the time using an analogue clock
Make simple errors in their numeracy work, frequently due to forgetting numbers
Be anxious about maths problems, have low levels of confidence or avoid number based activities
This is the fourth blog post on Assistive Technologies that can help to support older pupils and students with maths difficulties. Check out last weeks post and also read the earlier posts by clicking here:
Calculators can be difficult for people with certain difficulties to use. Such difficulties include manual dexterity difficulties, memory difficulties that affect accurate input or reading the answers on the screener. A number of physical calculators exist that help to support people with difficulties using standard calculators
The 12 digit display on the Reizen calculator make it ideal for performing longer calculations. It announces all button-presses and calculations in a female voice and the large, well spaced buttons are printed with contrasting black text. The calculator has adjustable volume and speech can be turned off completely.
2. Smart Pens
Smart pens are pen shaped electronic devices that record can record writing and audio, for later storage and playback. They are small, portable, discrete devices that are easy to keep in the pocket for when they are needed.
The Livescribe Echo Smartpen records everything you write and hear including handwriting, mathematical equations and high-quality audio. This helps individuals to take notes in meetings and lectures Notes and recordings can be uploaded to a computer, where they can be saved and searched. See earlier blog posts on other Reading Pens.
3. Graphics Calculator
Graphics Calculators have a high level of functionality. The allow users to input and view math symbols, formulas and stacked fractions exactly as they appear in textbooks. This can help to deepen a person’s understanding of math concepts with images. This means they have the potential to help students to make connections among models and other graphical representations, such as improving algebra and calculus.
30% lighter and thinner than earlier generation TI-84 Plus models. Vibrant backlit colour screen. Pre-loaded Apps and Images. The TI Rechargeable Battery conveniently recharges using a USB cable, wall charger or TI-84 Plus C Charging Station. The same menu structure and navigation as the TI-84 Plus family make it easy to pick up and learn.
This Award-winning Photomath app makes math easy to understand and master. Photomath can help to take the frustration out of math and to bring more peace to your daily student life. Photomath reads and solves mathematical problems instantly by using the camera of your mobile device. Check your work for any printed or handwritten problems. Photomath will help you interpret problems with comprehensive math content from arithmetic to calculus to drive learning and understanding of fundamental math concepts.
Photomath is particularly useful for people with maths difficulties as it can provide reassurance and support to help a person complete their math work. You simply take a picture of the math equation. Photomath then solves it and then gives you the option to break down the equation into steps. This is the perfect way for someone who struggles with math to check their work and then if they got it wrong, understand why.
Are there any other calculator apps, tools or extensions that you have found useful? If so please let us know.
Advanced Assistive Technology for Maths
Many people have difficulty with maths. Frequently, people with dyslexia or ADHD have co-occurring difficulties including dyscalculia, which is a specific difficulty in processing number based concepts and in using basic numeracy skills. This may include:
This is the fourth blog post on Assistive Technologies that can help to support older pupils and students with maths difficulties. Check out last weeks post and also read the earlier posts by clicking here:
Calculators can be difficult for people with certain difficulties to use. Such difficulties include manual dexterity difficulties, memory difficulties that affect accurate input or reading the answers on the screener. A number of physical calculators exist that help to support people with difficulties using standard calculators
Reizen 12-digit talking calculator – https://www.fishpond.co.uk/Health/Reizen-12-Digit-Jumbo-Talking-Calculator/0612750752971
The 12 digit display on the Reizen calculator make it ideal for performing longer calculations. It announces all button-presses and calculations in a female voice and the large, well spaced buttons are printed with contrasting black text. The calculator has adjustable volume and speech can be turned off completely.
2. Smart Pens
Smart pens are pen shaped electronic devices that record can record writing and audio, for later storage and playback. They are small, portable, discrete devices that are easy to keep in the pocket for when they are needed.
Livescribe 2GB Echo Smartpen – https://www.dyslexic.com/product/livescribe-2gb-echo-smartpen/
The Livescribe Echo Smartpen records everything you write and hear including handwriting, mathematical equations and high-quality audio. This helps individuals to take notes in meetings and lectures Notes and recordings can be uploaded to a computer, where they can be saved and searched. See earlier blog posts on other Reading Pens.
3. Graphics Calculator
Graphics Calculators have a high level of functionality. The allow users to input and view math symbols, formulas and stacked fractions exactly as they appear in textbooks. This can help to deepen a person’s understanding of math concepts with images. This means they have the potential to help students to make connections among models and other graphical representations, such as improving algebra and calculus.
Ti84plus Ce Graphing Calculato – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Texas-Instruments-Graphing-Calculator-Black/dp/B00TFYYWQA?th=1
30% lighter and thinner than earlier generation TI-84 Plus models. Vibrant backlit colour screen. Pre-loaded Apps and Images. The TI Rechargeable Battery conveniently recharges using a USB cable, wall charger or TI-84 Plus C Charging Station. The same menu structure and navigation as the TI-84 Plus family make it easy to pick up and learn.
4. Photomath FREE app (iOS and Android) – https://photomath.net/en/
This Award-winning Photomath app makes math easy to understand and master. Photomath can help to take the frustration out of math and to bring more peace to your daily student life. Photomath reads and solves mathematical problems instantly by using the camera of your mobile device. Check your work for any printed or handwritten problems. Photomath will help you interpret problems with comprehensive math content from arithmetic to calculus to drive learning and understanding of fundamental math concepts.
Photomath is particularly useful for people with maths difficulties as it can provide reassurance and support to help a person complete their math work. You simply take a picture of the math equation. Photomath then solves it and then gives you the option to break down the equation into steps. This is the perfect way for someone who struggles with math to check their work and then if they got it wrong, understand why.
Are there any other calculator apps, tools or extensions that you have found useful? If so please let us know.
– Further information about dyscalculia can be found at: https://dyslexiauk.co.uk/dyslexia-blog/f/what-is-dyscalculia
– Further information on home learning numeracy support can be found at https://dyslexiauk.co.uk/dyslexia-blog/f/dyslexia-home-learning-%E2%80%93-numeracy-support
– To discuss your concerns with a dyslexia assessor, please click here https://dyslexiauk.co.uk/contact-us
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