Learning+Task+4

In Learning Task #1 we examined Universal Design for Learning, the SAMR model, and personalized learning. In Learning Task #2 we examined communicating in math through backchannels (Todays Meet) and writing (Kidblog). In Learning Task #3 we examined differentiation and increasing rigor.

In this Learning Task, we'll take time to explore virtual manipulatives. As we know, manipulatives are essential to learning mathematics from preK to higher education. I'm sure your familiar with some sort of virtual manipulative(s). The intent of this Learning Task is to take time (which you don't always have) to explore the many virtual manipulatives. You don't have to like everything. The idea is to explore, play, and reflect on how these tools can be used in the classroom.

During a regular offering of this course, we would explore using virtual manipulatives with the students in our classrooms. We'll need to adjust during this summer offering. To complete this Learning Task:

Information about Virtual Manipulatives
 * 1. Read this Article from the Center for Implementing Technology in Education:**

NCTM's Illuminations: Illuminations offers a wealth of lesson resources and interactives/virtual manips. In the upper righthand corner, select "interactives" and click search. You'll find more than a hundred interactives. You can refine your search by content standard and/or gradeband.
 * 2. Explore the virtual manipulative collections below. Each of these has many different interactives/manipulatives. Each site is not a virtual manipulative in itself.[[image:illuminations.jpeg align="right"]]**

National Library of Virtual Manipulatives: You may be familiar with this site. It is what it says it is. Lots of great virtual manipulatives here. Houghton-Mifflin Virtual Manipulatives: This is a virtual manipulative workmat for K-8. Glencoe Virtual Manipulatives: Similar to Houghton-MIfflins workmat Houghton Mifflin Virtual Manipulatives: Collection of open-ended modeling tools. Different than the HM above. Math Playground Seeing Math: For secondary mathematics [|Virtual Tools from McGraw-Hill] Teacher Tools from DreamBox Learning: K-6 tools for teaching mathematics Harcourt's E-Lab: This is a selection of middle school topics Comprehensive list for mckinley tigers: This school has organized tools by topics for K-6.

After exploring the collections above, identify 10 you like best. Identify them on your wiki page (with a link to the tool/page). Write a brief sentence or 2 for each identifying how you could use it to support your classroom instruction. In this writing, make sure that you identify the specific content that the tool could be used to support including the Common Core Standard. Here's an example.
 * 3. Create a Top Ten list (in honor of David Letterman's last few months on TV).**

EXAMPLE:
 * Virtual Cuisenaire Rods - Virtual cuisenaire rods could be used to teach unit fractions 3.NF.1 or to establish equivalent fractions 3.NF.2.**

1. Read the article on virtual manipulatives. 2. Explore virutal manipulatives. 3. Post your top ten virtual manipulatives to your wiki page. Make sure each also has a link. Be sure to identify the content/standard that you would use the tool with. 4. Post a reflection to your kidblog page for our course. Your reflection will address this prompt: - What are 3 ideas from the article and/or this learning task that resonate with you? How does this topic challenge or validate your thinking about mathematics instruction?
 * So what to do for Learning Task #4**