Teaching strategies for visually impaired learners to learn geometric figures using GeomeTrace

• Main Author: Doolittle, Julius Christopher L.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2024
• Subjects: Geometry—Study and teaching; Children with visual disabilities; Science and Mathematics Education; Special Education and Teaching
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etdm_scied/52; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/etdm_scied/article/1075/viewcontent/2024_Doolittle_Final.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

Learning geometric figures without visual representations is one of the barriers faced by learners with visual impairments. They learn mostly by relying on their sense of hearing and sense of touch. Visually impaired learners must use audio-tactile modalities with the help of modern assistive technology to understand the concept of geometric figures. The study aims to address these difficulties and to provide an innovative approach to teaching geometric figures to visually impaired learners with the use of different audio-tactile tools. Tools may range from non-electronic objects, such as pre-existing solid objects and tactile drawing boards, to more modern applications in mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. The data were collected through class observations and inquiry during the implementation of the teaching strategy. The participants from different primary school levels showed enthusiasm for using new learning tools using modern technology. Their eagerness came from an experience similar to playing games due to the tool being a mobile application. Although difficulties were faced due to low mastery and poor motor skills, the learners were able to display better comprehension and imagery of the geometric figures. Keywords: visual impairment, geometric figures, audio-tactile, assistive technology