In the last couple of posts, I have focused on tools to support students who need visuals to learn content. Today, I found a free software program that adds auditory support for algebra, physics, statistics, and other data-based tasks.

NASA’s MathTrax software allows students to see graphs with their ears. This program provides a graphing and data manipulation tool for middle school and high school students to graph equations, physics simulations or plot data files. Robert Shelton, a NASA mathematician with blindness, helped develop the software, which works with screen readers also.

Naturally, this would be great support for students with visual impairments or blindness. However, since many students who do not have disabilities learn best through auditory channels, this would be a terrific addition for the universal design toolbox for math teachers.

Those who have visual learners will want to check out Merriam-Webster’s new Visual Dictionary Online. which users to search by choosing icons related to 15 themes or search using a word. There are sub-catagories under each theme. Rather than offering a text-based definition, each entry offers a detailed diagram of the term.

For example, my searched for “butterfly” yielded three entries about the insect and one about swimming techniques. I selected “morphology of a butterfly” and received a annotated diagram in which I could click on each part and read a definition. There is an audio link that prounounces each word.  (This is a helpful feature, but I was disappointed that the entire definition was not read aloud.)

Currently, 6,000 terms are indexed.  This will likely assist teachers needing diagrams and students doing research.  The site does have many advertisements, which may distract some students and could be improved by adding more audio support. Still,  Visual Dictionary Online is worth adding to your bookmarks.