Very good initiative. Could we see this kit?
-----Original Message----- From: AccessIndia [mailto:accessindia-boun...@accessindia.org.in] On Behalf Of avinash shahi Sent: Monday, January 12, 2015 5:33 PM To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Cc: jnuvision Subject: [AI] Delhi University in process of developing math kits To make solving numerical problems less taxing for visually-impaired students, Delhi University is developing specialised 'mathematical kits' which will make it much easier for them to study the subject. The varsity plans to carry out a campaign across the country during which students and teachers will visit various blind schools where it will distribute the kits to the students and conduct workshops to teach them how to use it. In the second phase, after receiving feedback from various quarters, DU plans to recommend to HRD Ministry for inclusion of the tools in the curriculum. The kits have been developed by four DU students pursuing M.Sc Maths Education in consultation with experts and two professors, Jyoti Sharma and Pankaj Tyagi. "We conducted a survey at various blind schools in Delhi and found out that the only specialised technique available for their teaching is Braille. Few schools use audio mediums too. These can be helpful in teaching literature or other subjects but not maths, which is very complex," said Madan Chaturvedi of DU's Cluster Innovation Centre. Elaborating on the contents of the kit, Sharma said, "The kit has been divided into three parts. The first one contains geometry tools which include specially-designed scale, protractor, compass, and a board. Braille technology has also been used to make the tools. "The second part includes shape-based abacus, which is different from a routine abacus. The third segment is braille designed board for multiples and factors. Apart from this, we have also included a snakes and ladders game, especially designed to suit the needs of the blind. The game will help the users get a hang of how to use other tools," she said. The tools were also tested by students of three blind schools. "We plan to validate the tools by seeking feedback from a large sample size and then approach experts for advice on any rooms for improvement," Sharma said. "We have also kept in mind minute details such as what material should be used, what should be the size, what can be used for which class and much more," she added. After completion of the first phase, the varsity also plans to introduce the product commercially in the market. DU, which boasts of a well-stocked Braille library, had last year installed a special technology in all its libraries to enable visually-challenged students to also access the books. The technology called 'Inclusive Print Access Project' can scan books and automatically transcribe the text to speech http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-university-in-process-of -developing-math-kits-for-blind-students/ -- Avinash Shahi Doctoral student at Centre for Law and Governance JNU Celebrating Louis Braille birthday Jan4th Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility of mobile phones / Tabs on: http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessind ia.org.in Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/ To unsubscribe send a message to accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in Disclaimer: 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails sent through this mailing list.. Celebrating Louis Braille birthday Jan4th Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility of mobile phones / Tabs on: http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/ To unsubscribe send a message to accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in Disclaimer: 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails sent through this mailing list..
