[Blindmath] alternative methods of learning college algebra

Mon Dec 14 14:25:04 UTC 2015

I would hesitate to say that you absolutely have to learn braille math. 
But I'd be even more hesitant to say you don't need it either and I 
would put a different spin on doing everything in your head. Being able 
to do math in your head is an extremely valuable skill to have -- if you 
can develop it. That's actually true for any math student. Personally, 
it amazes me how some really good mathematicians have to write 
everything down. It strikes me as primitive. But I'm sure humans vary 
greatly on their ability to do math in their head and some people are 
going to have a greater need to write things down than others. It 
strikes me as bad advice to tell someone to forget about writing stuff down.

I do like the advice someone gave to learn latex. A knowledge of latex 
is considered so basic here at the Department of Mathematics at the 
University of Wisconsin that we don't even teach a mini-course in it any 
more.  We don't teach the alphabet either. If you are going to major in 
math, you're expected to know latex.

On 12/14/2015 01:51 AM, Jeremy via Blindmath wrote:
> Post the faculty website listing you as "college mathematics professor at a
> community college." If this is not the case, I think it may not be legal for
> someone to walk around playing pretend in regards to professional academic
> credentials.
>
> Though you think you may have excelled at mathematics using your technique,
> it is probably very likely that an objective comparison of methods and
> outcomes may not be as generous to your self-assessment of your mathematic
> ability.
>
> If you have truly worked with as many individuals as you claim, it is likely
> you would know by now that people learn in very different ways, and not
> everyone will be as fluent with mathematics as another, so claiming no one
> needs braille and alike to complete math assignments is the type of comment
> coming from an amateur and not a professional. Surely you've heard of the
> normal distribution, if so, why would you dare make such a comment?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Blindmath [mailto:blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of David
> Moore via Blindmath
> Sent: Sunday, December 13, 2015 10:36 PM
> To: Blind Math list for those interested in mathematics
> Cc: David Moore
> Subject: Re: [Blindmath] alternative methods of learning college algebra
>
> Hi Laura,
> I had sight until I was 15. By the way, my name is David Moore. After I lost
> my sight, I learned how to do all the math I had done up through high school
> algebra in my head the way that I had seen it with my eyes. You can learn
> how to concentrate so well, that you could be able to see the algebra in
> your head just how you would see it written and do all of the steps in your
> head and obtain the answer by seeing every step just like it is in front of
> your eyes. I Majored in math by using this method. If someone reads you a
> problem, you can learn how to keep every step straight in your head. If you
> need some braille to write down, just make up any code you want. No one else
> reads the Braille anyway, so as long as you know what it means, you can just
> make up your code. Please email me, Laura. Braille is not needed to do math
> and do not let these Braille crazy people tell you that. If I do write math
> down in Braille, I use some made up code, because I am the only one who
> reads Braille. I will share my experience with you and teach you tricks of
> doing all math in your head. Have a great one, can't wait to talk to you. I
> will help you get an A in that class. I have tutored sighted and blind alike
> just for fun. You will be fine and you can do it. I am a college mathematics
> professor at a community college. I am also totally blind. You can do it, I
> am proof. Take care.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Louis Maher via Blindmath
> Sent: Sunday, December 13, 2015 10:11 PM
> To: 'Blind Math list for those interested in mathematics'
> Cc: Louis Maher
> Subject: Re: [Blindmath] alternative methods of learning college algebra
>
> You must learn Braille and Nemeth Code which is the Braille mathematics
> code.
>
>
> Regards
> Louis Maher
> Phone 713-444-7838
> E-mail ljmaher at swbell.net
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Blindmath [mailto:blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Laura
> Etori via Blindmath
> Sent: Sunday, December 13, 2015 7:34 PM
> To: Blindmath at nfbnet.org
> Cc: Laura Etori <letori.etori6 at gmail.com>
> 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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