Problems encountered in technical education of the blind, and related aids: Virtual cubarythms and 3D drawings

Abstract

Although an existing different traditional and modern computer techniques, the realization of technical (mathematics and physical) education of the blind and visually empired students at present time is not an easy task. The problem becomes important at a case when the student is a blind person and a teacher is a sighted one who does not know any assistive techniques such as Braille alphabet, screen readers and screen magnifiers software. A new computer remote education technology such as touchscreen mobile devices or graphically available resources that are usually used to derive an education of normal students makes a big barrier for the blind. The barriers to access for blind students to both electronic educational resources as well as remote services on mathematics and physics resulting from the use of other user interfaces for sighted and blind students. Especially important there are differences in the presentation technologies and ways of editing mathematical formulas and drawings. In the paper, the proposal of solutions to help blind students to learn and perform basic mathematical operations with the help of touch screen mobile devices and the presentation of mathematical drawings using 3D printing technologies are explained. These solutions are part of a larger research project that purpose is to develop a mobile platform supporting mathematical and physical education for the blind by sighted teachers.

Educational Integration of People With Vision Impairments

“…Adaptation of computer technology, input, output, application of computer programs, and interaction with appropriate computer equipment also depends on the individual psychophysical, cognitive and sensory abilities of students 30 . Although there are various traditional and modern computer techniques, the realization of technical (mathematics and physics) education of blind and partially sighted students is currently not an easy task 31 . The participation of blind and partially sighted students is needed to design and create the best possible solution and use a modern method in order to eliminate problems, overcome barriers and more easily master the intended content.…”

The Effect of Orientation on the Legibility and Comfort of 3D-Printed Braille

“…Three-dimensional (3D) printing has been explored as a relatively inexpensive and customizable medium to produce tactile interfaces for people with visual impairments. Examples range from tools in education [6,7,38], orientation and mobility [19,24], and medicine [1,14]. Relevant textual or auditory information must often accompany these interfaces to make them usable [45].…”

Graphic haptic electronic board-based education assistive technology system for blind people

“…Even though the current special education environment serves both low-vision and blind students, the two groups use different education assistive devices and materials, undermining the effects of education. Furthermore, there has been little research on the technology to effectively combine the two groups for improved education [3][4]. For these reasons, this paper proposes an education assistive technology system based on a graphic haptic electronic board that enables educators to effectively author and distribute education materials and conduct classes in the special education environment for both low-vision and blind students.…”