Abstract for Tactile Graphics 2005

Title: Using the T3 system* in the British education context

Presenter: Lesley Wells and Michael Wells

Royal National College for the Blind

Abstract:

Working on successful outcomes from research carried out in British Universities, the Research and Development unit of the Royal National College for the Blind are now producing talking tactile programs for the T3 System (* T3, Talking Tactile Technologies in Europe; TTT, Talking Tactile Tablet in USA ). The focus of the presentation will be on the rationale and methodologies used to produce teaching programs for students who are blind or visually impaired throughout all stages of their learning. We know early years learners benefit from visual imagery, yet for the young learner who is blind or visually impaired having to using Braille annotated tactiles can be too demanding. Now we have the means to turn a tactile image into a multimedia event that can make learning fun. For the adult learner large volumes of audio data can be linked to regions of a tactile diagram by means of a ‘layering’ system that allows the retrieval of information in manageable units. This technology makes tactile images immediately accessible and relevant, but, as with all new disciplines, some concepts need to be understood and ground rules established. After more than three years of research and development we would like to share our discoveries and considerations with others in the field."

Objectives of presentation:

To give a short introduction to the T3 System
To demonstrate a variety of talking tactile education programs, designed for learners who are blind or visually impaired, at the various stages of the national curriculum
To share our criteria for preparing education content and the techniques we use to present our data for the different age groups

Outcomes for audience:

An understanding of how the T3 system can enhance the learning process for the student who is blind or visually impaired
Insights into how talking tactiles need to be presented in different ways according to the age of the learner and the subject matter
An understanding of the pre-planning and processes required to produce a cohesive talking tactile program.

Prior knowledge of topic assumed: Low

Contains advanced technical content: Yes

Back to the day 1 programme

Back to the programme list
Back to the 2005 conference home page