Math for Everybody: A Sonification Module for Computer Algebra Systems Aimed at Visually Impaired People

Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) currently lack an effective auditory representation, with most existing solutions relying on screen readers that provide limited functionality. This limitation prevents blind users from fully understanding and interpreting mathematical expressions, leading to confusion...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Technologies (Basel) Vol. 12; no. 8; p. 133
Main Authors: Zambrano, Ana M., Salvador, Mateo N., Grijalva, Felipe, Carvajal Mora, Henry, Orozco Garzón, Nathaly
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.08.2024
Subjects:
Arousal
audible cues
Blind people
Blindness
Braille
Computer algebra
Effectiveness
Handicapped accessibility
Higher education
Mathematical analysis
Modules
Python
Secondary education
Software engineering
Software testing
sonification
Students
synthesized voice
Visual impairment
visually impaired people
Ecuador
ISSN:2227-7080, 2227-7080
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) currently lack an effective auditory representation, with most existing solutions relying on screen readers that provide limited functionality. This limitation prevents blind users from fully understanding and interpreting mathematical expressions, leading to confusion and self-doubt. This paper addresses the challenges blind individuals face when comprehending mathematical expressions within a CAS environment. We propose “Math for Everybody” (Math4e, version 1.0), a software module to reduce barriers for blind users in education. Math4e is a Sonification Module for CAS that generates a series of auditory tones, prosodic cues, and variations in audio parameters such as volume and speed. These resources are designed to eliminate ambiguity and facilitate the interpretation and understanding of mathematical expressions for blind users. To assess the effectiveness of Math4e, we conducted standardized tests employing the methodologies outlined in the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge (SWEBOK), International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTBQ), and ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119. The evaluation encompassed two scenarios: one involving simulated blind users and another with real blind users associated with the “Asociación de Invidentes Milton Vedado” foundation in Ecuador. Through the SAM methodology and verbal surveys (given the condition of the evaluated user), results are obtained, such as 90.56% for pleasure, 90.78% for arousal, and 91.56% for dominance, which demonstrates significant acceptance of the systems by the users. The outcomes underscored the users’ commendable ability to identify mathematical expressions accurately.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-1
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-2
content type line 14
ISSN:2227-7080
2227-7080
DOI:10.3390/technologies12080133