This research aims to explore the role of physical representations in young children's numerical learning then identify the benefits of using a graphical interface in order to understand the potential for developing interactive technologies in this domain. Three studies are reported that examined the effect of using physical representations…

This paper presents a research study of children using on-screen manipulatives (objects represented graphically on the computer screen) in learning mathematics. The paper begins by offering the rationale for the use of manipulatives in mathematics education, an assessment of why manipulatives are not more commonly used in schools, and a discussion…