Empowering Students: Helping Students Move from

the Concrete towards the Abstract

Using Visualization Tools

• to help bridge the gap between manipulations (concrete) and paper work (abstract)

What is a visualization tool?

• A visualization tool is a means to provide learners with a clear picture of a concept or process

• For example, the online Harcourt Multimedia Math Glossary provides a clear picture (or visualization) of addition

http://www.harcourtschool.com/glossary/math2/index5.html

Visualization Tools Sources

• Online: there are numerous sites online

• SMART Board: the Gallary contains many interactive visualization tools

Visualization Tools Types

• short animations

e.g. for vocabulary: acute angle Harcourt Schools

• manipulative tools

e.g. using manipulatives: geometry, geoboards National Library Virtual Manipulatives

• short video-clip visualizations

e.g. for concepts, proper fractions Alberta Government

Visualization Tools: Online

• for math………Harcourt School for vocabulary across the curriculum– Math http://www.harcourtschool.com/glossary/math2/

– Art http://www.harcourtschool.com/glossary/art_everywhere/final/grade5.html

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• National Library of Virtual Manipulatives• Rainforest Maths

Visualization Tools online

• for language arts………….

Visualization Tools: SMART Board