Virtual manipulatives are interactive, web-based representations of dynamic objects that can help students construct mathematical knowledge. They allow students to manipulate objects just like concrete manipulatives. There are benefits like being available anywhere and unlimited quantities, but also challenges like the need for teacher professional development and adequate technology resources. Teachers should select virtual manipulatives aligned with their curriculum and have students reflect on their use to enhance understanding.

1. Virtual Manipulatives In the Elementary Math Classroom Cindy Wright Instructional Technology Specialist Columbus Public Schools National Education Computing Conference July 2006

5. Let's Compare.... Concrete and Virtual Manipulatives

6. Concrete Manipulatives

13. Using Virtual Manipulatives in the Classroom In this video, a third grade class studies probability. To help enhance students' understanding of probability, the teacher introduces a software program designed to simulate the rolling of dice on a large scale. Students predict the outcome and then examine the results to see how accurate their predictions were. This lesson uses the Silver Burdette Interactive Mathematics software, but many similar programs are available online or with other mathematics curricula. To play the video, click "Watch this clip" under the photograph. http:// nces.ed.gov/nceskids/probability /

14. How to Find Virtual Manipulatives

15. Marco Polo http://www.marcopolo-education.org/home.aspx

16. National Library of Virtual Manipulatives http:// matti.usu.edu/nlvm/nav / Utah State University NSF supported project Began in 1999