As it stands right now, advanced math can be difficult for blind students. Doing their work in braille is a good option, but it's difficult to translate their answers into print unless they have someone who is trained or they know the codes to translate their math on a computer. A new software solution from the University of Alabama aims to solve this problem. The new system will be unveiled next week at the NFB convention.
The system will be rolled out to a handful of schools for the blind in the fall. They will start by evaluating how students do with fractions, which are highly spatial. According to Newswise, "To facilitate student input, the new system employs the WAVE toolbar created by gh LLC so that keys on the keyboard can be used to write mathematical equations in print for sighted teachers. Simultaneously, the new system writes the student’s equations in MathML that can read it aloud correctly for the student."
If you have a chance to test it out at convention, be sure to let us know what you think of the new system.
Source: Go to sourceCategory: News
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For the past three years Alena has been a feature writer for the online magazine Matilda Ziegler. She has also been a contractor for the Oregon Commission for the Blind, helping blind adults learn to use adaptive technology. She is studying to be a teacher of the visually impaired at Portland State. You might also recognize her from the Serotalk podcast Triple Click Home.
