AIME-solve: Accessible interactive mathematical expressions solver for optimized learning and visual empowerment

Abstract

Today, education is transformed into digital learning, which is more interactive and accessible. However, students with visual disabilities still face significant challenges in mathematics learning, such as real-time feedback, error correction, step-by-step guidance, and interactive learning using digital devices such as smartphones and computers. These challenges contribute to the underrepresentation of these students in science, technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. To address this limitation, this study proposes a smartphone-based, interactive, accessible solution for students with visual disabilities to solve mathematical expression addition and subtraction problems. The systematic methodology was adopted, prior studies were reviewed, and insights gained from stakeholders and challenges were identified. Based on these insights, the algorithm was designed following pedagogy principles from mathematics textbooks. The design algorithm was implanted in Python language. The proposed solution was empirically evaluated with 27 students and 5 instructors with visual disabilities in educational settings. The qualitative and quantitative analysis findings show significant improvement in students learning. The results suggest that the proposed solution is suitable for supporting inclusive mathematics education and might be further used in other assistive learning environments.