Enhancing learning for Visually Impaired with technology: MATHVIS

Abstract

Mathematics for Visually Impaired Students (MATHVIS) is a researched and developed software application that is capable of uplifting the educational background of visually impaired students. This research focuses on providing access to education for all, including the visually impaired, using MATHVIS, which embraces game based learning methodology. The critical factor in the project is the use of sound to communicate with the visually impaired students. All voice instructions were provided along with soundtracks and a menu to enable selecting local languages such as Sinhala and English. The main emphasis of this paper is to discuss the current generation of MATHVIS, which has been extended in several ways, through intensive evaluation and testing. The evaluators selected from categories such as technical personnel, instructors and visually impaired students carried out in depth reviews of the application. This paper discusses the features of the application, evaluation carried out, the technology and learning pedagogy used to develop the application for visually impaired students. The paper also highlights how MATHVIS can be used to provide education for all, including the visually impaired.