Assistive technology-based solutions in learning mathematics for visually-impaired people: exploring issues,...

Area of Science:

• Assistive Technology
• Educational Technology
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Visually impaired and blind individuals face significant challenges in learning, particularly in mathematics, due to reliance on non-visual senses.
• Existing compensatory sensory inputs often do not fully bridge the gap left by the absence of vision.
• Technological advancements offer potential solutions to enhance learning for this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review technology-based mathematical learning solutions for visually impaired individuals.
• To analyze the issues, challenges, and limitations of current assistive technologies for math education.
• To identify areas for technological improvement and future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of technology-based mathematical learning tools.
• Analysis of existing techniques, their effectiveness, and limitations.
• Discussion of findings to propose future research and development.

Main Results:

• Audio feedback, tactile displays, accessible digital textbooks, and math applications significantly improve math learning for the visually impaired.
• Current technological solutions address various aspects of mathematical learning, but limitations persist.
• Smartphone-based solutions are identified as potentially more convenient and affordable alternatives.

Conclusions:

• Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing mathematical learning for visually impaired and blind people.
• Further development of accessible and user-friendly technological solutions is needed.
• Future research should focus on mobile-based and integrated approaches to improve educational outcomes and overall quality of life.