Researchers at Dublin City University have developed a new technology platform that aims to improve how mathematics is taught to students who are blind or have low vision.
The prototype technology, currently a working prototype, enables a teacher to prepare maths in the usual printed notation, and to present this to a student in Braille (and vice versa). In an era where online learning is proving so important, this platform offers teachers and students alike the opportunity to use this innovative solution remotely as well as in-class.
An online resource with best practice examples to support teachers has also been developed, which means they have access to hundreds of proven methodologies and explanations of how best to teach children with visual impairments. This is the first and only resource available in Ireland.
The work is part of a European project called EuroMath, which aims to provide enhanced support to teachers and students with visual impairments in inclusive educational settings and ultimately level the playing field of learners with visual impairments in gaining math competencies aligned with primary and secondary education curriculum.
Dr Dónal Fitzpatrick, Assistant Professor in DCU’s School of Computing, is working with partners in Poland and the Netherlands on this platform. Speaking about the project, Dr Fitzpatrick said:
“This is hugely important for children and the Irish education system. As it currently stands, there isn’t enough support for children with vision disabilities in this country and that is reflected in the significantly low number of those with visual impairments choosing honours maths as a subject” said Dr Dónal Fitzpatrick, Assistant Professor in DCU’s School of Computing.
“If you think about how you might approach explaining to a young student with a visual impairment what a cylinder is or how to use fractions, this can be a challenge if you don’t know how. This innovative platform and practical tools that we have developed have proven methodologies and best practice examples on how best to explain and teach children of all ages so that both teachers and students will benefit.”
Funded under the Erasmus+ programme, EuroMath is an international research project,aims to provide enhanced support to teachers and students with vision disabilities.
