Art Karshmer: "Teaching Math to the Visually Impaired using Manipulative Objects"

Art Karshmer, University of San Francisco

E-mail: akarshmer [at] usfca.edu

One of the most serious drawbacks in the process of learning mathematics by the visually impaired, is their lack of perceiving its two-dimensional nature. Math based Braille codes, such as Nemeth and Marburg, offer some tactile insight into the structure of math, but still in a linear fashion. Besides being difficult to learn, these math codes allow little to no manipulation of math problems in the learning process. One solution to this problem is the use of math blocks – nothing more than the wooden or plastic blocks used by sighted children. The difference is the presence of Braille text on the blocks. Using these blocks, with the supervision of teachers or parents, can add the extra sense of the multidimensional aspect of math itself. Further, the use of these manipulatives allows the student to solve problems in a cognitive sense that is similar to the sighted student. But, without supervision, these blocks have marginal use in the learning experience.
The concept of manipulatives can be enhanced by the addition of external intelligence in the form of a computer. By integrating the blocks and any home computer, math instruction can be carried out without the need of parent or teacher. The child can set up his/her math exercises, and then proceed to solve them without any supervision.
At the meeting I will demonstrate a system that is currently being developed at the University of San Francisco that captures the best qualities of the marriage between the two tools: blocks and the computer. Open discussion of the concept and prototype will be welcome.