[Blindmath] Making the University classroom more accessible

[Goda Biekšaitė]

Hello all,


We are 3rd year Computer Science students at the University of Birmingham.
As part of our course, we are studying a module called Software Design
Study, in which we research and design a solution to an existing real life
problem. Our team is looking into further aiding visually impaired students
in a classroom setting.

We are in the early stages of our research and would like to speak with as
many visually impaired students, teachers of the visually impaired or
anyone else who works in this area.We would like to get a better
understanding of learning and teaching techniques used, problems faced and
areas for improvement.


We have made a questionnaire and it would help us greatly if you could
answer some or all of the questions, and if there is anything that you
would like to add, or even if you would just want to share your experience
- we would really appreciate it.


We can't wait to hear from you,

Goda


Questions:


If you’re a student:

   -

   What software are you using in the classroom currently?
   -

      How accessible is it?
      -

      How easy to master is it?
      -

      On average, how much time do you spend using the assistive software
      in the classroom?
      -

   Did you go to a school or university for visually impaired?
   -

      IF YES:
      -

         What techniques did they use to teach mathematics?
         -

         How did they explain the different geometrical objects? Both 3d
         and 2d.
         -

         How did they explain graphs and visual representations of formulae?
         -

         What techniques are used to draw and represent graphs?
         -

      IF NO:
      -

         What techniques did the teachers use to integrate visually
         impaired into the classroom?
         -

         Did the teachers write and explain things on the board, if so how
         did they accommodate you?
         -

         Did you have anyone or use any special technology to assist you in
         the classroom?
         -

         Was there anything that you think you missed out in the
         lectures/lessons?
         -

   If you could change one thing about how the lectures are going at the
   moment and the support that you get - what would it be?
   -

   What would be a perfect piece of technology for you (regardless of what
   has been created already. Please. Go wild)


If you’re a teacher:

   -

   What techniques have you used to better accommodate the visually
   impaired students?
   -

   What difficulties have you noticed that visually impaired students
   encounter?
   -

   What subjects and areas do the students struggle the most?
   -

   What support systems/technologies do you use in your classroom or for
   preparation for the classes?
   -

   What additional preparation do you make to cater for visually impaired
   students in the classroom?
   -

   How familiar are you with the assistive technologies that the students
   might use?
   -

   How did you explain (if you ever had to) graphs, geometric forms, 3d and
   2d objects, trajectories and distances?
   -

   What support do you get from your University or School/College?