[Blindmath] Making the University classroom more accessible

Thu Nov 5 16:22:34 UTC 2015

Hi Maureen,

Of course! None of us are visually impaired and therefore we really want to
understand as much as we can.

In regards of the the solutions and information that is already there we
have done quite a lot of research. As far as we have found, visually
impaired students use either tactile or audio oriented solutions. In
regards of text there's two choices - Braille or screen readers. As far as
we have seen Braille readers are rather expensive and entire books in
Braille are rare and difficult to obtain And therefore most people prefer
screen readers. JAWS, NVDA etc. More technologies we have looked into is
using sound and music to represent graphs and geometric objects, distances
and sizes, haptic feedback (like haptic mouse), magnifiers, sonic based
haptic representation of 3d objects (although a great idea it's currently
still in development), talking tactile tablet, raised paper, the chemistry
diagram translation into audible description. We also looked into possibly
using 3D printing to explain 3D objects.

I'm sure I missed a few of them but we tried to find as much information as
we can. But we're not trying to create a new piece of technology as we know
that shifting from one piece of the tech that you are already using to a
complete new one can be difficult. But maybe we incorporate different bits
from different tech together? Or make something that is currently not
accessible with current tech that is used - accessible...  Except we don't
know what people actually use. Finances, accessibility and situations are
different for all...

Also thank you so much for such a rapid response! Really does mean a lot!

Kind regards,
Goda
MSci Computer Science
3d Year Student
University of Birmingham
2015 lapkr. 5 15:38 "Lewicki, Maureen via Blindmath" <blindmath at nfbnet.org>
rašė:

> Before I answer this survey I would be interested to know if there are any
> blind and visually impaired students on the team? How familiar are you with
> what is already out there for the students to use? I often see research and
> development on the University level which develops things that are already
> out there. thanks
>
> Maureen Murphy Lewicki
> Teacher of the Visually Impaired
> Bethlehem Central School District
> Bethlehem High School
> 700 Delaware Ave
> Delmar, NY 12054
> http://www.bethlehemschools.org
> Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience
> of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and
> success achieved. Helen Keller
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Blindmath [mailto:blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Goda
> Biekšaite via Blindmath
> Sent: Thursday, November 05, 2015 10:23 AM
> To: blindmath at nfbnet.org
> Cc: Goda Biekšaitė; Lily Elshaktori; Priyanka Mohata; Gareth Humphries;
> Poppie Simmonds
> Subject: [Blindmath] Making the University classroom more accessible
>
> 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?
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