Application Review: National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (NLVM)

Application Review: National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (NLVM)

Reference: http://nlvm.usu.edu/

Review/Summary:  This application is a java-based application used to further mathematical concepts and understandings.  The application comes in two different flavors.  The first type is the free online version.  These can be used by anyone anywhere java is already installed.  The second flavor is a paid version, which allows the user to install the manipulatives on their individual computer.  The advantage to the second flavor is load time is much faster and much more responsive when interacting.

Reflection:  Both my students and I have used this tool very successfully throughout this school year.  It is a powerful tool to demonstrate more abstract concepts to them and they love the way that they work.  As for the version to use, I prefer the paid version but have the students use the online version.  The amount of content covered in the manipulatives is very extensive and offers a greater access to these tools than the traditional classroom set.  I would really recommend any math teacher to invest in this tool.