Human ecology
Mathematics for special educational needs: blindness and mathematics
Blindness and mathematics: bibliography
Wolman, D. (2001), "Sound of Science", New Scientist, 2301 (28/7/01), pp.30-33
David Crowe & Hossein Zand (2000) "Computers and undergraduate mathematics 3: internet resources" Computers & Education, 35, pp.123-147
British Journal of Special Education
Michael J. Topin (1998) "Is blindness a handicap?", BJSE, 25(3), pp. 107-113
David Banes & Richard Walter (1997) "The internet: a new frontier for pupils with severe learning dificulties", BJSE, 24(1), pp. 27-30
Nick Bozic & Steve McCall (1993) "Microcomputer software: developing braille reading skills", BJSE, 20(2), p.58
The British Journal of Visual Impairment
Anders Sderberg and Kerstin Fellenius (2000) "Preserving and Developing a Knowledge of the
Education of Pupils with a Visual Impairment through Open and Distance Learning in Sweden", BJVI,
18(2)
- Abstract In Sweden, where responsibility for the education of all blind and
visually impaired children except those with severe additional disabilities has been
transferred from the specialist sector to local schools, Open and Distance Learning (ODL) has been adopted as the method for instructing general classroom teachers in relevant
competences. This has involved the use of advanced technological systems and has led to
a transformative experience by teachers and students from their more traditional roles
to a more creative relationship.
Gregory Hale (2000) "The Technical Assessment of Software Usability with Reference to Screen
Readers for the Graphical User Interface (GUI)" BJVI, 18(1)
- Abstract The usability of software is critically important; the wide uptake
of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) such as Windows 95 in business and education has
thrown the issue of usability into even sharper focus as users with no sight have tried
to access assistive technology which often fails to assist. In part, this is because manufacturers face real technical challenges in designing screen readers that can
interpret the new interface satisfactorily; but more substantially it is because many
firms, instead of utilising good software design and considering usability from the
outset, still seem to 'contract out' usability testing to the end-user. This Paper
describes a method of assessing software usability, using test instruments developed
iteratively through the process of conducting usability assessment of existing screen
reader software for Windows 95. The method is therefore grounded in practice and does
not require specialist equipment or mathematics. It is particularly suited to end-users
responsible for purchasing decisions or training.
Victoria Owen (1998) "The virtual reference library: multiple information sources and multiple output formats." BJVI 16(2) p.49-54
Gabrielle Wild, Dorothy Hinton & Ron Hinton (1996) "The Design of Microcapsule Diagrams for Visually Impaired Students on Distance Learning Courses" BJVI, 15(1)
- Abstract The production of tactile diagram supplements for two Open
University courses formed the central part of a research project to investigate the
feasibility of distance learning students using such diagrams. It was judged to be
crucially important that such students, working in the relatively isolated
distance-learning environment, should be able to read the diagrams both quickly and
accurately. The design of the diagrams was monitored and developed throughout the
project and some general guidelines evolved which are important pointers for all those
who design microcapsule paper diagrams for use by students.
For full text click here.
Gabrielle Wild and Ron Hinton (1996) "An evaluated study of the use of tactile diagrams on Open
University science courses" BJVI, 14(1)
- Abstract During 1994 the graphical material from each of two Open University
science courses was presented to a group of visually impaired students as a tactile
diagram package with an accompanying taped commentary. The usefulness of each package in
improving access to the course material and its acceptability as a course component were
monitored throughout the year. The positive response suggests that there is a strong case
for integrating tactile diagrams into the modern multi-media approach that the Open
University is currently implementing for students with a visual impairment. The results
suggest that the use of tactile diagrams on distance learning courses is not only
feasible but is a desirable option for such students. Possible pitfalls in the
provision of such a service are highlighted and ways in which these might be overcome
suggested.
For full text click here.
Computers & Education
David Crowe & Hossein Zand (2000) "Computers and undergraduate mathematics 1: setting the scene" Computers & Education, 35, pp.95-121
David Crowe & Hossein Zand (2000) "Computers and undergraduate mathematics 3: internet resources" Computers & Education, 35, pp.123-147
ComputerEducation
Sue Harris "What TIMMS tells us about the use of computers in mathematics and science in secondary schools" ComputerEducation, 90, p. 3-6
Norah Jones and Paul Jones "Raising standards in mathemaitcs in primary schools through computer assisted learning" ComputerEducation, 96, pp.10-17
Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness
http://www.afb.org/jvib.asp
Norma C. DeMario and Ming-Gon John Lian (2000) "Teachers' Perceptions of Need for and Competency
in Transcribing Braille Materials in the Nemeth Code", JVIB, January
- Abstract This study reports the results of a survey of teachers of visually
impaired students in Illinois and Massachusetts that asked the teachers to rate their
perceived competency in transcribing math materials into the Nemeth code and their need
to do so. Results indicated a significant difference between mean ratings on competency
and need by respondents for 23 of the 55 math skills on the survey.
Ann Ahlberg and Emmy Csocsan (1999) "How Children Who Are Blind Experience Numbers" JVIB,
September
- Abstract This article presents a qualitative study of the ways in which 25
Hungarian children aged 5-9 who were blind dealt with different types of elementary
mathematical problems. The study found that the children dealt with numbers in five
ways and experienced numbers in four ways. Furthermore, although the children went
through the same stages of development as do sighted children, their ways of dealing with
numbers had some specific characteristics.
Ingeborg K. Durre and Imke Durre (1999) "Instant Print-Braille Compatibility with COBRA"
JVIB, March
- Abstract This article describes an eight-dot computer braille notation, COBRA,
with integrated mathematical and scientific notation that achieves immediate
print-braille compatibility through one-to-one representation of letters and other
characters. Text can be entered and manipulated from the braille or the Qwerty keyboard
and can be viewed simultaneously in the same format on the braille display and monitor
screen. Thus, translation to and from braille is unnecessary.
Crista L. Earl and Jay D. Leventhal (1998) "Product Evaluation, Accessing On-Line Services with
Synthetic Speech: America Online, CompuServe, and Internet Service Providers" JVIB News Service,
August
B. J. Edwards, S. Lewis (1998) "The Use of Technology in Programs for Students with Visual
Impairments in Florida" JVIB, May
- Abstract Teachers of students with visual impairments in Florida were surveyed
to determine their use of various types of access technologies. Each category of device,
with the exception of refreshable braille devices, was used by at least 25 percent of the
teachers. The majority stated that they were not familiar with most of the devices listed
and had difficulty acquiring the training needed to learn the devices well enough to
teach the students to use them. On the basis of these findings, recommendations for
preservice and in-service training are suggested.
Book Review, Project VISION: Visually Impaired Students and Internet Opportunities Now
-- Reviewed by K. L. Gourgey (JVIB, May 1998)
Links at this site...
Links at other sites...
Created 14/5/01
Last modified 11/10/01