[Blindmath] Accessible display format for matrices

[Ken Perry]

When I did my matrix class back in the early 90's I used a text editor and
an old laptop calculator called Xplore.  The calculator still exists but the
newest version is not that accessible. I would just type the matrix out in a
text editor and space the columns.  That way when I  wanted two add two rows
I would block one row and put it under the other and move things around.  I
know that is not pretty but it gave me a good feel of how the sighted folks
did it.  I got to the point where I could do up to 2 4 by 4 matrixes in my
head only writing down values as I multiplied them or if I was trying to
solve them.  It would take a bit of work to get back to that point now but
all I am saying is don't give up on the simple text editor  it sometimes is
nice to be able to easily see all the numbers in a row at a time.

Ken


-----Original Message-----
From: blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Richard Baldwin
Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 6:53 AM
To: Blind Math list for those interested in mathematics
Subject: Re: [Blindmath] Accessible display format for matrices

Hi Pranav,

Thanks for the input. I understand how a spreadsheet can be used for doing
matrix computations. The main thing that I am looking for is the most
accessible display format. For example, MathML can be used to create
beautiful matrix equations in an HTML page. Beautiful, that is, for sighted
students. However, NVDA becomes silent when it encounters MathML in a web
page. I don't have a copy of Jaws, so I don't know how it reacts to MathML
in a web page.

Most normal equations can be handled in an accessible manner by writing them
on a single line using programming format. Matrix equations, on the other
hand typically require three or four lines. I wondering how to configure
those three or four lines in such a way that a blind student can make sense
of them.

Thanks,
Dick Baldwin

On Tue, Nov 15, 2011 at 4:11 AM, Pranav Lal <pranav.lal at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi Richard,
>
> I have worked a bit with matrices. At the time I did, a spreadsheet 
> was the solution I chose. I could add rows and columns without a fuss 
> and they were accessible. Excel is the tool to go for in windows. No 
> special tool is required.
>
> On 11/15/11, Richard Baldwin <baldwin at dickbaldwin.com> wrote:
> > I will be teaching the following course for the first time in the 
> > Spring
> > 2012 semester.
> >
> > GAME 2302 - Mathematical Applications for Game Development (3-3-1) 
> > Presents applications of mathematics and science in game and 
> > simulation programming. Includes the utilization of matrix and 
> > vector operations, kinematics, and Newtonian principles in games and 
> > simulations. Also
> covers
> > code optimization.
> >
> > The course must be accessible for blind and VI students. Even if 
> > there
> are
> > accessible textbooks at the college level covering these topics 
> > (which I
> > doubt) it is far too late to adopt a new textbook for the course.
> >
> > I really need suggestions from those who teach mathematics and blind 
> > students who study mathematics regarding the most accessible formats 
> > for presenting matrix equations.
> >
> > If special reader software is required (beyond a standard screen
> reader), I
> > need to know that also.
> >
> > Thanks in advance.
> > Dick Baldwin
> >
> > --
> > Richard G. Baldwin (Dick Baldwin)
> > Home of Baldwin's on-line Java Tutorials http://www.DickBaldwin.com
> >
> > Professor of Computer Information Technology Austin Community 
> > College
> > (512) 223-4758
> > mailto:Baldwin at DickBaldwin.com
> > http://www.austincc.edu/baldwin/
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> >
>
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--
Richard G. Baldwin (Dick Baldwin)
Home of Baldwin's on-line Java Tutorials http://www.DickBaldwin.com

Professor of Computer Information Technology Austin Community College
(512) 223-4758
mailto:Baldwin at DickBaldwin.com
http://www.austincc.edu/baldwin/
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