M a n i p u l a t i v e   M e d i a 

 

Manipulative media are objects, activities, programs and applications that teachers and students use to engage in interactive, hands-on learning. These media generally come in two types: Traditional and Digital.



Traditional manipulative media are objects and materials that have been present since before the advent of computers and computer-aided technology. Toys, picture and pop-up books, board games, flash cards, and musical instruments fall under this category.



Digital manipulative media are computer-aided objects and materials that also facilitate and encourage interactive learning. A host of educational computer programs, virtual and online learning platforms, 3D simulations, and video games fall under this category.

 

Types/Format

 

Traditional Media​

These media are used as teaching tools to engage students in active hands-on learning. They have both visual and tactile appeal and can be tangibly manipulated by the learners.

 

Advancements in technology have paved the way for the enhancement of manipulative media. This merging between traditional manipulatives and computational devices creates a new type of system, namely digital manipulatives, which extends toward a larger age range of learners as well as many other applications aside from common classroom subject areas.

 

Integration in Education/Educational Implication

 

Biology & Medicine

Surgery Simulator, Puberty Simulator

Social Science

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Interactive maps, Google Maps, History of Greece

English

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Spelling puzzles , Debate Game, Writing Game

General Science & Physics

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Physics Simluators, Simulation of Solar System and Climate Change

Math

Alegebra and Geometry , Math Millionaire

Vocational or Industrial

T-Shirt design , Sketch up , Cooking Simulator

 

What is important to remember when using manipulative media is its appropriateness to the lesson being taught and its relation to the learning outcomes desired by the teacher. No matter how good the media is, if it is not appropriate to the lesson, learning is not fully achieved.