Using hypermedia to improve the mathematics problem-solving skills of students with learning disabilities

Abstract

This article discusses current knowledge about teaching problem solving to students with learning disabilities (LD), using computers for teaching math to students with LD, and using computers for teaching problem solving to students with learning problems. Building upon identified effective learning strategies, direct instruction procedures, and principles of effective instructional design, the case is presented for the use of hypermedia in helping students with learning disabilities to improve their mathematics problem-solving abilities. Specific ideas and suggestions for applying hypermedia to cognitive strategy instruction and the graduated word problem sequence are given. Several cautions regarding hypermedia use are presented.