Considerations for Educational Applications that meet students' goals and objectives.

Math can be just as challenging as reading, for students with learning difficulties and other special needs.  The more advanced the concepts become, the more abstract thinking that is required.  Once some students move away from concrete manipulatives, it becomes more challenging for them. So, there are applications that can help support students' needs but there are some important considerations that must be addressed when selecting these tools.

Here are eight main considerations from Assistive Technology in the Classroom by Amy Dell, Deborah Newton and Jerry Petroff:

1.  Simplified screens and instructions - too many graphics can be distracting and take away from salient information.
2.  Consistent placement of menus and control features - energy and concentration can be devoted to the content of the activity
3.  Graphics along with text to support nonreaders and early readers -  picture cues provide scaffolding
4.  Audio input - frequent and relevant feedback and audible instructions can helpful for auditory learners or nonreaders
5.  Accessibility by a variety of methods - keyboard, mouse or with alternate computer access
6.  Ability to set pace and level of difficulty - students should be able to adjust the speed with which they have to respond so they can demonstrate mastery of concepts
7. Appropriate and unambiguous feedback - should be clear and unambiguous
8.  Easy error correction - should be stimulating and rewarding not lead to confusion