| Abstract [eng] |
Mathematics has a great influence on the development of world science and education, technology and human culture. Ukeje observes that without mathematics there is no science, without science there is no modern technology and without modern technology there is no modern society. In other words, mathematics is the precursor and the queen of science and technology and the indispensable single element in modern societal development. So, it plays a vital role in developing learners abilities to count, their visual, spatial and logical thinking [39]. Mathematics is especially very difficult subject for pupils who have learning disabilities. Those pupils are defined as learners with special needs who require special education and related services to achieve their fullest potential (the same conception is used to define gifted pupils but I am not going to discuss about them in my research). The use of educational technology as a learning tool helps to meet the individual needs of pupils. But usually teachers and learners face the problem that they do not have the necessary computer equipment and software for helping pupils with special educational needs to learn mathematics. Thus there is a demand for specific educational software for computer-based mathematics teaching. In nowadays Lithuania there is no interactive educational tool which could help pupils with special educational needs to study mathematics. There is a high demand for the tool which could help to study individually or by playing. Mathematics course is quite extensive and special educational software could be very helpful. It would be beneficial for learners as well as for teachers. Lithuania is not the only country which has such problem. For example, according to Lingnau A., P. Zentel (Germany) there is no doubt that computers are capable of supporting the learning of pupils with learning disabilities. However, there is a lack of professionally developed learning software for this target group. There are few products designed by special education teachers with a high level of instructional design but at a low technical level, inflexible and not adaptable. Conversely, there are highly technical commercial products with very little instructional quality. The aim of my research paper was: to improve mathematics teaching process for students with special educational needs using interactive tool-based teaching and learning materials [28]. The aim was achieved through defined goals by analyzing educational computer-based material that is pros and cons were assessed, mathematics computer-based training tool project was carried through, testing and designed „MKMP“ educational tool was used and evaluated. During teaching and learning process children were placed into two groups, one group used created computer-based mathematics software „MKMP“, other group used conventional learning methods. The group that used „MKMP“ was on line and was asked to do three level tasks: easy, medium and upper clicking on „Tests and Practice“. They could use the test system Test Tool and have the possibility to practice. By analyzing and comparing the results of both groups, it is possible to state that those learners who used the software performed significantly better than students using traditional methods. Using specific educational software has a positive impact on student achievement and on student motivation and self-concept. Educational computer-based training tool can be improved and used for teaching mathematics younger pupils. |
