MATHVIS

Abstract

MATHVIS is a researched and developed software application that is capable of uplifting the educational background of visually impaired children. Education which is a knowledge gaining activity that all individuals cherish throughout their lives and enables access to a career path is not confined to any age, gender or culture. This research focuses on providing access to education for all, including the visually impaired. MATHVIS has been developed using game based learning properties, mainly targeting the visually impaired. Several resources that facilitate learning for the visually impaired were identified. However, it was noted that resources were limited to learn mathematics using local languages for visually impaired children in Sri Lanka. Hence, the aim of the research was to develop the mathematical knowledge of visually impaired Sri Lankan students. Since the target user group for this game is visually impaired children, the requirements were based on their capabilities and requirements. Sound was a key feature used to facilitate communicating with visually impaired students. Therefore, user input, selection of options and other facilities were provided along with sound tracks and a menu to enable selecting native languages such as Sinhala and English. The game consists of three levels made up of simple maths concepts such as addition, subtraction, number series and equations as well as scenario based questions. Level one consists of simple addition and subtraction questions. Supporting the requirements of the user, the questions for this level are mainly one or two digit number calculations. Level two consists of two sections; the first includes questions from the number series and the second includes questions from equations. In section one, the user is provided with a blank space to input the answer where as in the second, the user calculates the value of a given unknown letter. Level three consists of scenario based questions where the user has to listen and understand the scenario to answer the relevant question correctly. The game was developed mainly using Java Language and applications such as Netbeans 6.0. Microsoft Access was used to store data. The only way in which a visually impaired child can communicate with this application is through sound. Therefore, this game uses voice instructions with the help of software such as Text Aloud and Jet Audio. The evaluators for the game were from different categories, namely; technical evaluators, the users of the system, visually impaired students and instructors for visually impaired. The students requested incorporating changes that would enhance the language selection process. The instructors recommended limiting the number range to two digits. All evaluators provided positive comments about functionalities and ease of use of the tool. This paper discusses features of the application, evaluation carried out and the technology and learning pedagogy used to develop the application. The paper also looks at how this application can be used to provide education for all, including visually impaired children