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Design of a braille writing tutor to combat illiteracy

Author

Listed:
  • N. Kalra

    (Carnegie Mellon University)

  • T. Lauwers

    (Carnegie Mellon University)

  • D. Dewey

    (Carnegie Mellon University)

  • T. Stepleton

    (Carnegie Mellon University)

  • M. B. Dias

    (Carnegie Mellon University)

Abstract

Less than 3% of the 145 million blind people living in developing countries are literate (Helander, Prejudice and dignity: An introduction to community-based rehabilitation. New York: UNDP 1998). This low literacy rate is partly due to the lack of trained teachers and the challenges associated with learning to write braille on a traditional slate and stylus. These challenges include writing from right to left, writing mirrored images of letters, and receiving significantly delayed feedback. Extensive conversations with the Mathru Educational Trust for the Blind near Bangalore, India, revealed the need for a robust, low-power, low-cost braille writing tutor. We present an iterative and participatory process resulting in the creation and refinement of a prototype braille writing tutor system. This system uses a novel input device to capture a student’s activity on a slate using a stylus and uses a range of techniques to teach braille writing skills to both beginner and advanced students. We report on lessons learned from the implementation of this project and from a 6-week pilot study at Mathru, and outline future directions for improvement.

Suggested Citation

  • N. Kalra & T. Lauwers & D. Dewey & T. Stepleton & M. B. Dias, 2009. "Design of a braille writing tutor to combat illiteracy," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 11(2), pages 117-128, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:infosf:v:11:y:2009:i:2:d:10.1007_s10796-009-9171-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10796-009-9171-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cornwall, Andrea & Jewkes, Rachel, 1995. "What is participatory research?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 41(12), pages 1667-1676, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Chulhwan Chris Bang, 2015. "Information systems frontiers: Keyword analysis and classification," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 217-237, February.

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