[Blindmath] alternative methods of learning college algebra

[Sean Whalen]

Hello,

Let me preface this by saying that in the longer run you would be well
served to learn Braille to do math, especially if you want/need to take more
advanced courses.

For algebra, if you need a solution that works right now, I would recommend
working with a reader and writing things down in a simple notepad or Word
document. I went through calculus as an undergrad using a human reader. In
some ways, it is still, to me, the best way to have the material presented
and to create work product that can be handed in to sighted professors. Even
in grad school, for advanced economics, finance, and statistics courses, I
would frequently meet with a human reader and write up, in English, or with
my own notation, the relevant mathematical expressions. (e.g. Y hat = 1.36
beta, or x^2/(1-q) for x squared divided by the quantity 1 minus q. This
would allow me to study on my own. I also liked writing out problem sets
like this so I could refer back independently to study. But use of a reader
was critical to access the information and to put it in the format that the
professors wanted.

There is also a program called MathType that can allow you to read
mathematical expressions with a screen reader. I am not very knowledgeable
about that option, though I know that it has a lot of promise. Others on
this list can likely be more helpful on that front. But with MathType and an
additional program called LEAN Editor, you can read and create proper math
that can be printed and handed in. And if you are going a ways down the road
with math, you might consider learning LaTeX which is a language that is
commonly used to typeset mathematical expressions, which can be read with a
screen reader and will allow you to directly access the information
contained in many mathematics and science texts. LaTeX, as I understand it,
is a widely used standard.

For now, I'd say work with a reader and spend some time thinking about what
makes sense for you in the longer term if you are going to take more math,
which I would encourage you to do if you are at all interested!

Take care,

Sean

-----Original Message-----
From: Blindmath [mailto:blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Laura
Etori via Blindmath
Sent: Sunday, December 13, 2015 8:34 PM
To: Blindmath at nfbnet.org
Cc: Laura Etori
Subject: [Blindmath] alternative methods of learning college algebra

greetings everyone

I am a college student and i am not proficient in braille. that is because i
lost my sight recently.

for my core curricular courses i am expected to take college algebra and
since i do not know math braille i would love to get suggestions from all of
you on how i can be able to go through my course using alternative methods.

i am totally blind and eager to take up any suggestions.

your input is highly appreciated and thanks a lot.



--
for it is Him who works in us, and works through us, and makes everything
beautiful and marvelous in His time and splendour.
Kind regards
Laura Etori

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