[nabs-l] Techniques for Doing Math in Braille

[Nicole B. Torcolini at Home]

Also, depending on what level of calc you are doing and if you are willing 
to take a little extra time, there is a way to convert Nemeth written on an 
electronic Braille notetaker into LaTex and then into PDF.

Nicole

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Arielle Silverman" <arielle71 at gmail.com>
To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list" 
<nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, April 21, 2012 2:11 PM
Subject: [nabs-l] Techniques for Doing Math in Braille


> Hi Laney and all,
> As we know, when choosing alternative techniques to get our work done
> we often have to make trade-offs. In this case there is a trade-off
> between the amount of stuff we carry around and the extra clarity
> provided by doing math using Braille writing equipment. Everyone will
> come to a different opinion about what works best for them, and that
> is fine. For some of us it is worth the back pain and hassle to carry
> a Perkins Brailler between home and class; for others of us working on
> the Braille Note is efficient and clear enough that we decide not to
> bother with the heavy Braille books and equipment. I can definitely
> see some compromises, though. For example could you use your Braille
> Note for taking notes in class but use your Perkins for doing homework
> assignments at home? Also, do you need your calc textbook with you in
> class every day or is it mostly used for working homework problems?
> I have not taken calculus since high school, but when I did I did all
> my notetaking and homework assignments on a Braille notetaker (Braille
> Lite was the best device at that time). I have also taken four
> statistics classes in college and grad school and in all cases, I took
> notes on a Braille Note or laptop and completed homework using my
> laptop, with my Braille Note as a calculator and way to write down
> equations and formulas for my own reference. While reading long
> equations on a small Braille display can be a nuisance, and isn't the
> best method for everyone, it might be worthwhile to practice
> notetaking on your Braille Note to build up your speed and confidence.
> When taking notes, it is not necessary to write in perfect Nemeth code
> or computer Braille. I often did my notes in a combination of Nemeth,
> literary Braille and other shorthand I made up that would only make
> sense to me. Your notes only need to make sense to you and they don't
> have to be exhaustive--they just need to capture the main ideas.
> Again, I think the best way to lighten your load would be to try using
> your Braillewriter only outside of class, and also see if you are able
> to forgo your Braille text while you are in class.
> Best of luck,
> Arielle
>
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