Initial Investigation on Affective 4D Mathematics Model for Low Vision Learners (AM4LV)

Design and Development of Affective 4-Dimensional Mobile Mathematics for Low Vision Alpha Generation

“…Currently, typical ATs which are Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) and magnifying glass were utilized by the low vision children in accessing the concept of Mathematical operations [2]. Initial interview with experts [1], [2], [3] reveals that utilizing both of these ATs requires the help of human readers (i.e., a teacher) all the time at their side which is impractical to train the low vision children to learn independently. Typical magnifying glass and CCTV have no audio provided as the low vision children depend 100% on audio to recognize the content.…”

“…According to the experts [1], [2], [3], another alternative to typical AT software that has been used widely in special education schools is the text-tospeech (TTS) engine. TTS is software that converts digital text into synthetic speech.…”

“…Prior research indicates that low vision children face difficulties locating information in Math graphics, particularly those that involve expressions and objects [6]. Based on the series of interviews that have been carried out with experts [1], [2], [3]; understanding the Mathematical concept is the most critical subject for the low vision children in schools. As the low vision children face challenges in identifying the Mathematical expressions and objects due to their limitation in accessing the visual information, teachers need to enhance their effort as much as they can compared to mainstream students.…”

“…In normal practice, teachers need to express their emotions twice or threefold to ensure the low vision children are able to understand the concept of Mathematical operations delivered to them even if it is the basic concept. As reported by [3], usually a lot of tangible materials such as colorful papers, fruits, and foods have been utilized to express the concept of Mathematical operations to low vision children. However, having these materials always is impractical because of the cost and the limited energy of the teachers [1], [2].…”

“…To strengthen the problem of the study, a series of initial interviews with experts from the Special Education School has been conducted. They are [1], [2], [3]. It is reported that in Malaysia, there are only five special schools specific for visual impairment including low vision children.…”