As the name suggests, virtual manipulatives are nothing more than an electronic version of traditional manipulatives. They are interactive applications on specific math topics (such as place values, shapes and decimals), giving users full control -- to a certain extent. With the help of Java and Flash technology or even through HTML pages containing hyperlinks, it is possible to control virtual blocks or measuring rods only with the use of the mouse or keyboard.
As virtual manipulatives serve the same purpose with their traditional counterparts, teachers can use them during a lesson to help students understand abstract mathematical ideas and evaluate if children can put theory into practice. Parents can also benefit from virtual manipulatives, as children have the opportunity to combine an enjoyable pastime (being on the computer) with math exercise, the conventional form of which many children dread.
Virtual manipulatives don't need storage space, apart from some megabytes on a hard drive. In addition, through virtual manipulatives, children learn how to use the computer effectively at the same time. However, introducing virtual manipulatives to the whole class requires the appropriate gear (enough computers for all students and an Internet connection), which can be costly for schools. Furthermore, virtual manipulatives don't allow students to touch objects, so the experience of using your senses to understand math becomes somewhat diminished.
Virtual manipulatives are ubiquitous on the Internet, provided mainly by educational websites and universities. You can find virtual manipulatives on numbers and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, data analysis and probability for Pre-K to Grade 12 at the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives of Utah State University. The University of Missouri and the Saskatoon Public Schools website also offer a number of applications for grades 1 to 6. Visit Glencoe.com for interactive activities based on virtual manipulatives, suitable for students between Pre-K and Grade 8.