HRD-9712608 MORFORD Many middle and high schools encourage students to use graphing scientific calculators to assist in mathematics and science courses. They are used widely in higher mathematics (Algebra I and above) and in the physical sciences. These calculators perform scientific functions and have built-in screens to display graphs of analyzed data. They are valuable tools both for students and teachers. Unfortunately, graphing scientific calculators are not accessible to visually impaired students. The Interactive Scientific Graph Analysis Project (ISGAP) will investigate strategies for the design, development, and evaluation of technology that will provide better access for visually impaired students to graphs and scientific expressions. Investigations will be conducted for the purpose of identifying and testing economical materials and procedures that will provide real time interactive independent comprehension of two dimensional graphs by visually impaired students. The project should increase the knowledge base regarding interactive graph analysis and interactive scientific calculation for visually impaired people. The project will involve visually impaired students, teachers, and parents in all phases of the research project. Training will be required so students and teachers understand how to operate this new technology. Online help assistance will be designed into the system from the beginning. The project will begin with the development of customized software that will run on a PC. Off-the-shelf peripherals will be used to keep final product costs low. Specific project objectives are: (1) Determine ISGAP requirements and design user interfaces, (2) Interface peripherals and design and develop software, (3) Design, develop, and test functions for interpreting graphs, and (4) Field test and evaluate product. This project should significantly impact the ability of visually impaired students to succeed in math and science courses. A su ccessful conclusion to this project will lead to production of an economical hand-held device enabling visually impaired students to have increased equity with their peers.
