Video Lesson: Demonstration of Assistive Technology for Calculation and Writing Mathematical Notations

Ines Delzotto, an educational rehabilitator, AT/AAC specialist, and founder and head of the Assistive Technology Cabinet at the Veruda Rehabilitation Day Center in Pula, prepared a presentation on assistive technology for calculation and writing mathematical notations.

These assistive devices include a wide range of tools and strategies, from simple aids to advanced software solutions, and are categorised as assistive technology for calculation and for writing mathematical notations.

Watch the video lesson: Demonstration of Assistive Technology for Calculation and Writing Mathematical Notations.

Duration: 11 minutes and 29 seconds

Watch at least twice.

Transcript

Mathematics presents a challenge for many students. Assistive technology for calculation and writing mathematical notations encompasses a wide range of tools and strategies, from simple aids to sophisticated software solutions. These are divided into assistive technology for calculation assistance, and those for writing mathematical notations.

Unlike reading linear text, mathematics involves reading symbols, equations, graphs, and understanding spatial relationships, which requires specialized assistive solutions. Such solutions enable access to the mathematical content that the student needs to master, as well as problem-solving and expressing mathematical understanding for students with various difficulties.

Today, in this video lesson, we will focus exclusively on mid-tech and high-tech aids. Among the mid-tech solutions, the profession offers a whole range of adapted desktop calculators: basic calculators, as well as expanded calculators with large keys and displays, facilitate number entry and result reading for individuals with low vision or motor difficulties. They can be graphic, and/or scientific or financial. Voice-output calculators pronounce the entered numbers and results, providing auditory feedback for visually impaired users. "2, 5, 0. Divided by. 1, 5, 0 equals 5." Braille-display calculators allow for the tactile reading of mathematical expressions and results. There are also programmable calculators with adapted keypads that allow programming keys for macro function inputs or arranging frequently used functions and symbols on easily accessible keys.Furthermore, there is a whole range of adapted keyboards for writing mathematical notations. Primarily, these are conventional keyboards with additional programmable keys (G-keys) on which students can software-reprogram the extra keys for direct input of mathematical symbols. Mini macropads are fully programmable mini-keyboards that are added to the main keyboards as add-on equipment. They are used like a blank canvas and fully allow assigning specific mathematical symbols or frequently used expressions to individual keys or key combinations, i.e., macro functions, according to the student's own preferences and needs. We have already seen alternative programmable keyboards in previous video lessons. Let's recall that these are keyboards with enlarged letters, symbols, and mathematical functions that can be arranged to serve for entering and displaying mathematical symbols and expressions on a computer.

High-tech solutions, on the other hand, use the power of computer software, applications, and virtual environments to provide interactive and adaptable tools for learning and working with mathematics. Primarily, these include virtual calculators, which are software applications that emulate the functions of physical calculators on a computer or tablet screen. Virtual calculators often offer advanced features such as customizable themes, colors, and key sizes, voice output, the ability to record calculation steps, and integration with other mathematical software. Some virtual calculators are specially designed with an emphasis on accessibility for users with visual impairments, offering keyboard navigation and compatibility with screen readers.Furthermore, we will mention mathematical software with integrated accessibility for writing mathematical notations and/or calculation. These are very powerful tools that allow students to create, edit, and manipulate mathematical expressions in digital format, and have built-in accessibility features, such as screen reader support, customizable colors and contrast, and voice output of mathematical expressions. Primarily, these are Math Text-to-Speech (Math TTS) software. Standard TTS software is often inadequate for mathematical text due to its complex syntax and symbolism. Specialized Math TTS software uses rules and syntax to correctly pronounce mathematical expressions, including fractions, roots, symbols, equations, etc. Examples: MathPlayer (a free plug-in for Internet Explorer that enhances MathML reading), Vocal-Eyes (commercial software with support for mathematical speech).Among the advanced software with integrated accessibility for calculation, solving equations, drawing graphs, and data analysis, we will highlight MathType, Equatio, Desmos, and others.

Equatio is a program designed for creating mathematical notations in digital form, available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android platforms. Although the commands within the program itself are predominantly in English, it offers considerable flexibility in entering mathematical expressions, including the ability to dictate in the Croatian language. Access is enabled via touchscreens, voice input, keyboard, and mouse, adapting to the diverse preferences and needs of students with disabilities. Besides simplified input, Equatio also offers the possibility of visualizing mathematical concepts by displaying function graphs. The integrated calculator, like the one in Desmos, provides support for arithmetic operations. Interestingly, the program also offers resources to assist in mastering chemistry material, thus expanding its applicability beyond the purely mathematical field.

GeoGebra is a dynamic and free mathematical platform that offers a wide range of tools for graphics, geometry, 3D graphics, and calculation. Its key advantage is its availability on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iPad, as well as via web browsers, ensuring wide accessibility for users. It is important to note that GeoGebra offers an interface and extensive documentation in the Croatian language, which significantly facilitates use for students and professors in Croatia. GeoGebra offers a comprehensive set of tools for mathematics, covering the visualization of functions, equations, and inequalities in 2D and 3D space, as well as interactive features for zooming and analysis. It also provides the ability to construct and manipulate geometric objects, and allows for advanced algebraic operations, solving equations, and differential and integral calculus. Furthermore, it offers tools for probability analysis with distribution visualization and simulations. The created materials can be easily exported in various formats and shared with others. It can be used with various computer mouse emulators and screen readers.

MathType is specialized software for creating and integrating mathematical equations and other notations into digital documents, primarily within the Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) and Google Workspace (Docs, Slides). It runs on Windows, macOS, and iOS platforms. After installation, MathType integrates as an extension within these applications, providing users with an intuitive interface for entering complex mathematical expressions directly into their documents and presentations. MathType offers a Point-and-Click user interface with palettes of symbols, templates, and structures (fractions, integrals, sums, matrices, etc.) that are easily inserted with a click via various mouse emulators. It supports extensive keyboard shortcuts for quick entry of symbols and commands. The program provides a wide range of mathematical symbols and templates for precise equation formatting. MathType supports MathML (Mathematical Markup Language), the standard format for displaying mathematical expressions on the web, allowing equations to be inserted into online editors and platforms. MathType includes ChemType, a set of tools and symbols for easily creating chemical formulas and equations. Although it offers a free trial version with limited duration, a license is required for continuous use.

Many advanced screen readers come with math support and integrate support for mathematical languages such as MathML (Mathematical Markup Language) and Nemeth Code (Braille code for mathematics). This allows blind and visually impaired users to access mathematical content on the web, in documents, and applications. Examples: JAWS and NVDA with installed add-ons for MathML and Nemeth, VoiceOver (with limited support for MathML).Students with significant visual impairment can also rely on Math Optical Character Recognition (Math OCR) software. This is usually an upgraded standard OCR that enables the recognition of mathematical symbols and structures, i.e., converting images of mathematical equations and expressions into a digital format that can be read using Math TTS or displayed on a Braille display. Examples: InftyReader (commercial software with high accuracy in recognizing mathematical text).Electronic Braille Displays with mathematical notation can display mathematical symbols and expressions using Nemeth Code or other Braille codes for mathematics. They allow blind users to tactilely read and understand mathematical content. Some models also have a Braille keyboard for entering mathematical expressions. Tactile Output Graphics Software: To access visual elements of mathematics such as graphs and geometric shapes, there is software that can generate tactile displays on special devices. These displays allow blind users to "feel" the shape and relationships. Examples: TactileView.

Assistive technology for calculation and writing mathematical notations helps students who need adaptations in learning mathematics by simplifying equation writing, visualizing concepts, and providing visual and auditory support.