[BlindMath] Ee: is doing math in Braille practical

Maylene Bird maylenebird at gmail.com
Tue Jan 21 00:45:36 UTC 2020


I find teaching high school math (pre-algebra through algebra 2) that
students can only hold so much in their head without writing it down.
Students who are not able to read and write the math are frequently not
able to keep up with the pace of instruction. Being able to do higher level
math is required for many college degrees and unfortunately becomes a
limiting factor for all kinds of people.  I want to leave all options open
for my students and push them to learn all they can at the highest level of
math for which they are capable.  I have students who learn how to handle
matrices  every school year in algebra 2.  We use Nemeth Code in Texas.

Cheers,
Maylene Bird


On Mon, Jan 20, 2020 at 6:00 AM <blindmath-request at nfbnet.org> wrote:

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> Today's Topics:
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>    1. Re: Is Doing Mathematics in Braille Practical? (Steve Jacobson)
>    2. Re: BlindMath Digest, Vol 162, Issue 9 (R?zemberczki Zolt?n)
>    3. Re: BlindMath Digest, Vol 162, Issue 9 (George Bell)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Sun, 19 Jan 2020 17:56:54 +0000
> From: Steve Jacobson <steve.jacobson at outlook.com>
> To: Blind Math list for those interested in mathematics
>         <blindmath at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [BlindMath] Is Doing Mathematics in Braille Practical?
> Message-ID:
>         <
> DM6PR01MB569236B006BF8CB115A2598094330 at DM6PR01MB5692.prod.exchangelabs.com
> >
>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> Saaqib,
>
> The answer to your question will depend some on the individual.  I am
> assuming the upside down frame you are referring to is what we sometimes
> call a slate and stylus.  Doing math with in that way is difficult but
> possible, but one has to be able to handle more of it in one's head.  There
> are mathematical slates that let you open the slate to look at what you
> have written without the paper falling out, and that would make the job
> easier.  Still, getting a Perkins or other brailler would likely work
> better than using a slate.  Years ago, I was in a situation when I had to
> do some pretty complex algebra on a slate and I managed.  I used Nemeth
> Code, and UEB math does require a little more writing, but of course you
> might well develop some of your own shortcuts.
>
> Since you use a computer, it might be helpful to put a matrix in excel and
> then write some of your interim steps with the slate.  Maybe you could do
> some of the calculations on the computer as well as long as that is
> permitted by your instructor.
>
> Although I've tried to answer your question specifically, looking at other
> tools that can be used on a computer might be worth it as well.  You may
> find a combination of braille and computer to work.  Unfortunately, there
> just isn't one answer that works for everybody.  Most of us who have taken
> math as blind people, regardless of the tools we have available, have
> developed some of our own shortcuts and approaches that worked for each of
> us.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Steve Jacobson
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: BlindMath <blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Saaqib
> Mahmuud via BlindMath
> Sent: Saturday, January 18, 2020 2:44 PM
> To: blindmath at nfbnet.org
> Cc: Saaqib Mahmuud <saaqib1978 at yahoo.co.in>
> Subject: [BlindMath] Is Doing Mathematics in Braille Practical?
>
> Hi BlindMath mates? How are you?
> I've been for the past few days learning the UEB mathematics braille
> through the UEB Math Tutorial on the APH Tech website.
> I've just covered the section on matrices, which is Lesson 7.3 in the
> tutorial.
> I'm wondering if it is practical for the blind people to handle the
> elaborate calculations and manipulations of the higher mathematics (i.e.
> mathematics above grade 8) in braille on a paper, especially use the upside
> down writing frame.
>
> What is the most convenient option for a blind UEB user to do the complex
> higher mathematics?
> Of course, a UEB reader can read mathematics books alright.
>
> The real challenge is when it comes to working out the problems and
> presenting one's proofs and solutions in braille.
>
> For example, suppose a blind person is asked to evaluate a complicated
> anti-derivative (i.e. indefinite integral), or perform a complicated
> Gaussian elimination using matrices, and show his or her attempt clearly
> using the UEB mathematics code. What would be the best option available to
> a totally blind person, especially somebody using a slate-and-stylus? How
> best can he or she come up with a correct answer and present his or her
> work accurately?
>
>
> Regards.
>
> Sincerely,
> Saaqib Mahmood
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Mon, 20 Jan 2020 10:29:26 +0000
> From: R?zemberczki Zolt?n       <rozemberczki.zoltan at kancellaria.elte.hu>
> To: "blindmath at nfbnet.org" <blindmath at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [BlindMath] BlindMath Digest, Vol 162, Issue 9
> Message-ID:
>         <
> AM0PR09MB267322115A2A55BFC0CA2B36AB320 at AM0PR09MB2673.eurprd09.prod.outlook.com
> >
>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"
>
> Dear Saaqib Mahmood
>
> I think that Braille is essential for learning mathematics. I can only
> imagine solving problems of matrices, more complex systems of equations, in
> the case of blind people.In my experience, blind people who do not know
> Braille find it very difficult to master mathematics in high school.If they
> do not know mathematics, they will not know higher statistics, nor will
> they be able to program properly. It is important for Eles to do well in
> the blind.
>
> Regards.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Zolt?n Rozemberczki
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: BlindMath [mailto:blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
> blindmath-request at nfbnet.org
> Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2020 1:00 PM
> To: blindmath at nfbnet.org
> Subject: BlindMath Digest, Vol 162, Issue 9
>
> Send BlindMath mailing list submissions to
>         blindmath at nfbnet.org
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
>         http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindmath_nfbnet.org
> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
>         blindmath-request at nfbnet.org
>
> You can reach the person managing the list at
>         blindmath-owner at nfbnet.org
>
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of BlindMath digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
>    1. Is Doing Mathematics in Braille Practical? (Saaqib Mahmuud)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Sat, 18 Jan 2020 20:44:29 +0000 (UTC)
> From: Saaqib Mahmuud <saaqib1978 at yahoo.co.in>
> To: blindmath at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [BlindMath] Is Doing Mathematics in Braille Practical?
> Message-ID: <1469092456.2871136.1579380269964 at mail.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
> Hi BlindMath mates? How are you?
> I've been for the past few days learning the UEB mathematics braille
> through the UEB Math Tutorial on the APH Tech website.
> I've just covered the section on matrices, which is Lesson 7.3 in the
> tutorial.
> I'm wondering if it is practical for the blind people to handle the
> elaborate calculations and manipulations of the higher mathematics (i.e.
> mathematics above grade 8) in braille on a paper, especially use the upside
> down writing frame.
>
> What is the most convenient option for a blind UEB user to do the complex
> higher mathematics?
> Of course, a UEB reader can read mathematics books alright.
>
> The real challenge is when it comes to working out the problems and
> presenting one's proofs and solutions in braille.
>
> For example, suppose a blind person is asked to evaluate a complicated
> anti-derivative (i.e. indefinite integral), or perform a complicated
> Gaussian elimination using matrices, and show his or her attempt clearly
> using the UEB mathematics code. What would be the best option available to
> a totally blind person, especially somebody using a slate-and-stylus? How
> best can he or she come up with a correct answer and present his or her
> work accurately?
>
>
> Regards.
>
> Sincerely,
> Saaqib Mahmood
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Subject: Digest Footer
>
> _______________________________________________
> BlindMath mailing list
> BlindMath at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindmath_nfbnet.org
> BlindMath Gems can be found at <
> http://www.blindscience.org/blindmath-gems-home>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of BlindMath Digest, Vol 162, Issue 9
> *****************************************
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Mon, 20 Jan 2020 11:21:52 +0000
> From: George Bell <george at techno-vision.co.uk>
> To: Blind Math list for those interested in mathematics
>         <blindmath at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [BlindMath] BlindMath Digest, Vol 162, Issue 9
> Message-ID: <5fc659e8277b481d90eeac528c890ba7 at techno-vision.co.uk>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> Hi Zolt?n,
>
> I will say up front that I am a commercial member here, but one who, after
> over 30 years of experience in this industry, tries not to be biased.
>
> I could not agree with you more about braille and mathematics.  Speech is
> extremely difficult to follow, particularly with advanced maths.
>
> Ideally with complex equations, the ideal way to view these is with
> braille on paper.  A one line braille display cannot do this.
>
> However, a new British designed and developed device called the "Canute
> 360", while essentially a braille e-book reader, is capable of displaying
> BRF files, where 9 lines of 40 braille cells can be displayed at one time.
> And at under ?2,000 (UK Pounds).
>
> If you would like to see more details, go to http://bristolbraille.co.uk/
> or our own web site below in my signature.
>
> All the best,
>
> George W F Bell
> Managing Director
> Techno-Vision Systems Ltd
> 76 Bunting Road
> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/76+Bunting+Road?entry=gmail&source=g>
> Ind. Est.
> NORTHAMPTON, NN2 6EE
> United Kingdom.
>
> Tel: +44 (0)160 479 2777
> E-Mail: george at techno-vision.co.uk
> Web: http://www.techno-vision.co.uk
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: BlindMath <blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of R?zemberczki
> Zolt?n via BlindMath
> Sent: 20 January 2020 10:29
> To: blindmath at nfbnet.org
> Cc: R?zemberczki Zolt?n <rozemberczki.zoltan at kancellaria.elte.hu>
> Subject: Re: [BlindMath] BlindMath Digest, Vol 162, Issue 9
>
> Dear Saaqib Mahmood
>
> I think that Braille is essential for learning mathematics. I can only
> imagine solving problems of matrices, more complex systems of equations, in
> the case of blind people.In my experience, blind people who do not know
> Braille find it very difficult to master mathematics in high school.If they
> do not know mathematics, they will not know higher statistics, nor will
> they be able to program properly. It is important for Eles to do well in
> the blind.
>
> Regards.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Zolt?n Rozemberczki
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: BlindMath [mailto:blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
> blindmath-request at nfbnet.org
> Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2020 1:00 PM
> To: blindmath at nfbnet.org
> Subject: BlindMath Digest, Vol 162, Issue 9
>
> Send BlindMath mailing list submissions to
>         blindmath at nfbnet.org
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
>         http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindmath_nfbnet.org
> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
>         blindmath-request at nfbnet.org
>
> You can reach the person managing the list at
>         blindmath-owner at nfbnet.org
>
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than
> "Re: Contents of BlindMath digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
>    1. Is Doing Mathematics in Braille Practical? (Saaqib Mahmuud)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Sat, 18 Jan 2020 20:44:29 +0000 (UTC)
> From: Saaqib Mahmuud <saaqib1978 at yahoo.co.in>
> To: blindmath at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [BlindMath] Is Doing Mathematics in Braille Practical?
> Message-ID: <1469092456.2871136.1579380269964 at mail.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
> Hi BlindMath mates? How are you?
> I've been for the past few days learning the UEB mathematics braille
> through the UEB Math Tutorial on the APH Tech website.
> I've just covered the section on matrices, which is Lesson 7.3 in the
> tutorial.
> I'm wondering if it is practical for the blind people to handle the
> elaborate calculations and manipulations of the higher mathematics (i.e.
> mathematics above grade 8) in braille on a paper, especially use the upside
> down writing frame.
>
> What is the most convenient option for a blind UEB user to do the complex
> higher mathematics?
> Of course, a UEB reader can read mathematics books alright.
>
> The real challenge is when it comes to working out the problems and
> presenting one's proofs and solutions in braille.
>
> For example, suppose a blind person is asked to evaluate a complicated
> anti-derivative (i.e. indefinite integral), or perform a complicated
> Gaussian elimination using matrices, and show his or her attempt clearly
> using the UEB mathematics code. What would be the best option available to
> a totally blind person, especially somebody using a slate-and-stylus? How
> best can he or she come up with a correct answer and present his or her
> work accurately?
>
>
> Regards.
>
> Sincerely,
> Saaqib Mahmood
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Subject: Digest Footer
>
> _______________________________________________
> BlindMath mailing list
> BlindMath at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindmath_nfbnet.org
> BlindMath Gems can be found at <
> http://www.blindscience.org/blindmath-gems-home>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of BlindMath Digest, Vol 162, Issue 9
> *****************************************
>
> _______________________________________________
> BlindMath mailing list
> BlindMath at nfbnet.org
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> BlindMath Gems can be found at <
> http://www.blindscience.org/blindmath-gems-home>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Subject: Digest Footer
>
> _______________________________________________
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> BlindMath at nfbnet.org
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> BlindMath Gems can be found at <
> http://www.blindscience.org/blindmath-gems-home>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of BlindMath Digest, Vol 162, Issue 10
> ******************************************
>



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