Nowadays, the use of devices is one of the biggest changes that has ever occurred in education. They help students stay focused during exercise and even help them relax when it’s time to take a break. Math can rightfully be called the queen of sciences, the knowledge of which we use every day. Everywhere we come across numbers – on the clock face, on banknotes, in the lesson schedule. All the time we have to perform simple and complex mathematical operations – to calculate when a favorite movie will start, how much change should be given in the store, or when a bus arrives.
7 Best Math Gadgets for Students
Still for someone math is incomprehensible actions, numbers, rules, and problems. They say that everything is learned by comparison. Without knowledge of mathematics, it is impossible to build a house or a car. If it weren’t for mathematics, we would never have computers, tablets, and smartphones. All other sciences in the world use mathematical calculations as the basis. In the age of information technology, gadgets have come to the aid of pupils and students and greatly simplify the learning process in class and come in handy for math homework help online. So let’s take a quick view of the top 7 assistive math gadgets.
Calculators
Portable calculators entered human life a little more than half a century ago and have been improved a lot since then. Today, the market is filled with various types of calculators, differing in the set and type of functions they perform. Calculators are divided into groups according to the functions they perform:
- Simple calculators. They are small and lightweight and easy to use. There is a minimum set of mathematical functions to be performed. They are popular among pupils and students.
- Accounting calculators. They have additional functions such as dual memory function, rounding of results, and fractional parts.
- Financial and mathematical calculators. These devices allow you to carry out calculations in percentages.
- Engineering calculators are distinguished from the rest by an alphanumeric display and a set of functions that allows you to perform logarithmic, exponential, and trigonometric calculations.
- Programmable calculators are almost like mini computers. They perform calculations according to the specified algorithm.
- Graphing calculators display numbers, graphs, and various drawings projects. The built-in memory card minimizes manual data entry, thus allowing the retrieval of stored data.
The specialists also single out a talking calculator group. Such calculators speak out about the results of the calculation aloud. They can be used for educational purposes.
Graphing and drawing tools
Graphic tools provide an opportunity to make graphing created by an equation, e.g. if you receive an assignment to build a parabola, all you need to do is to write the y = x2 formula and the graphed parabola will be created automatically. Graphic tools are perfect for solving graphing problems for those who take algebra or calculus. Drawing tools are made to draw geometric features such as lines, shapes, angles, and others. To these tools belong, rulers, stencils, and protractors which are helpful for those who study geometry or trigonometry.
Graphic organizers
Some people mistakenly suppose that the use of a graphic organizer fits only for first or second grade, however, they are perfect helpers for students because that helps maintain and organize work habits thus improving problem-solving skills. Graphic organizers are here to develop productive problem-solving strategies. So that students can overthink and process information efficiently via visualizing and organizing the information needed to solve issues.
You may wonder what are the basic principles of the work? Let’s imagine the document divided into four quadrants. The first quadrant is used to determine what you are trying to solve a problem for. The second one is made to determine what strategies are needed for solving the issue. The third quadrant illustrates the steps required to process a problem. The fourth quadrant usually answers and shows why the received answer is correct.
Text-to-speech assistive tools
TTS software is designed to help those who have difficulties reading standard print or disabilities such as blindness, dyslexia, or any type of visual impairment, learning disability, or others. Although, such technology can be used by anyone. The technology scans and then reads the words to the student. Besides, TTS is usually combined with a talking calculator.
3D Printers & Scanners
Making math (or STEM subjects) visually engaging is integral to learning. Interactive and visual technology provides additional opportunities for students to cope with mathematical concepts. Students can explore and make discoveries with games, simulations, and digital tools. Experts have analyzed that visualization has a huge impact on the brain’s activity. So students can easily improve their skills because the scanning process requires students to experiment, analyze, and engage with computational thinking. 3D printing allows students to scan real-life objects to identify how scale affects structure and performance.
Easy-speak recorder
The wireless microphone is super convenient for recording math facts, conferences, interventions, etc. After all, it is convenient to make a record and then scroll through it as much as necessary, rewind and forward, and repeat especially important points. Most devices are equipped with screens on which you can view the records, and select the desired one. Modern recorders are synchronized without any problems with desktop computers, laptops, and even tablets.
So you can easily save the math data you get during your lectures without spending time writing down the information, thus paying more attention to concentrate. Do not worry if a teacher decides to check your notes, you can show him/her your microphone with the words “All my notes are here”.
Smartphones
It’s no secret that there are many useful services on Google Play and the App Store which contain thousands of training courses in various disciplines, and much more. That is why smartphones are the undisputed leaders of this race. Just imagine how many apps are designed for phones that can greatly simplify the computational process during classrooms. You are free to use assistance apps to upgrade your skills in the most preferable way. Some applications use a smartphone camera so that you can scan mathematical formulas and get a detailed solution.
For example, Microsoft Math Solver is an assistant in algebra, trigonometry, statistics, arithmetic, and more. The application can recognize printed and handwritten text, and after scanning it gives detailed solutions to problems so that you can not only write off but also understand how it works.