Week Three - National Library of Virtual Manipulatives Pattern Blocks Program

On Tuesday at lunch, I asked six students to find the largest perimeter and the smallest perimeter of a shape created by any six pattern blocks. Basically, I asked the students to do the activity that I demonstrated on Monday night in class. I divided the students up into three groups of two. I allowed one group to work on the problem using the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives program titled Pattern Blocks under the measurement section of the grades 6 - 8 tab. For this, the students were allowed to use the Smart Board that I have in my room. I asked the other two groups to solve the problem using the "real" pattern blocks. Interestingly, the two groups that used the "real" pattern blocks solved the problem faster.

However, the students who used the virtual manipulatives program seemed to enjoy the activity just as much as the students who worked with the "real" pattern blocks. In addition, the students who worked with the virtual manipulatives seemed to have fun changing the colors of the blocks. This is something that you obviously cannot do with the "real" pattern blocks.

In conclusion, I would recommend using the "real" pattern blocks over the virtual pattern blocks program if you are limited by the amount of time that you have to complete a lesson. However, since students naturally gravitate toward technology, if you have the time to devote a few extra minutes to an activity then it might be well worth your while to use the virtual pattern blocks program. In addition, keep in mind, if your district has the technology available then it is cheaper to use the virtual pattern blocks program. I looked up the cost of "real" wooden pattern blocks on the Discount School Supply website, and the cost is $10.99 per case. Thus, if cost is an issue then consider using the pattern blocks program on the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives website.