Evaluation of science and mathematics books used for students with visual impairment in inclusive classrooms in Tanzania

2021 ◽  
pp. 026461962110364
Author(s):  
Francis William
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Special Needs ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Inclusive Classrooms ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Limited Knowledge ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Quantitative Approaches

This study evaluated the adapted science and mathematics books for students with visual impairment in inclusive classrooms in Tanzania secondary schools. It was conducted in 14 regions using qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were generated from a sample of 19 heads of school, 103 students, and 77 teachers. The findings of the study show that the books are appropriate for students with visual impairment. However, they lacked enough tactile illustrations and pictures. Further findings revealed that lack of braille knowledge among some teachers limited them from using the books. As such, a few teachers who had braille knowledge had started to use the books while those with limited knowledge did not. Most teachers reported lack of appropriate pedagogy for handling special needs in inclusive classrooms. Therefore, although the books are appropriate, a lot needs to be desired in building teachers’ capacity to use the books. Various inclusive methodological knowledge to teachers needs to be ensured. Furthermore, the books must be improved to include more tactile graphics and pictures to make them more reader-friendly for students with visual impairment. Other educational books, including three-dimensional (3D) models, should be part of the adapted books.

Who said that we do not see? An inclusion strategy for students with visual impairment using cell models and a modeling-clay-based evaluation method

2021 ◽  
pp. 026461962110364
Author(s):  
Renata Guimarães Dumpel ◽  
Andréia Santos Silva ◽  
Ricardo dos Santos Pereira ◽  
Cristina Delou ◽  
Helena Carla Castro
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Evaluation Method ◽  
Cell Model ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Cell Organelles ◽  
Level Of Understanding ◽  
Modeling Clay

Currently, there is a great need for inclusive practices and materials for visually impaired students (SVIs), especially from Biology. Thus, we developed two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) didactic models about cytology as well as a modeling-clay-based evaluation method. The two-dimensional tactile atlas included the representation of organelles with an explanatory text in two formats (written and Braille), whereas the 3D human cell model was made with a colorful polymer clay pasta. These models were tested by students of public schools, with and without visual impairment as well as by teachers of science/biology. Their perceptions were analyzed by using questionnaires, whereas the modeling clay-based evaluation method was used with the SVIs to identify their level of understanding about the cellular structures presented to them. According to all participants including SVIs, both materials facilitated the understanding of cell organelles. Interestingly, the modeling clay-based evaluation method confirmed that this blind audience could see (distinguish) as many details as those who have no visual impairment. Our results strengthen the fact that this blind public depends on the accessibility level that, apparently, is offered by our 2D and 3D models to them. In agreement with that conclusion, all teachers pointed this strategy as helpful to this public especially during teaching these overly complex topics.

scholarly journals INFLUENCE OF MATHEMATICS BRAILLE PROFICIENCY ON MATHEMATICS PERFORMANCE AMONG LEARNERS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT IN SELECTED SPECIAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KENYA

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Obiero Okumu ◽  
Margaret W. Murugami ◽  
Lubna M. Mazrui
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Mathematics Teachers ◽  
Positive Relationship ◽  
Mathematics Performance ◽  
Head Teachers ◽  
Significant Positive Relationship ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
The Relationship

The purpose of this paper is to report some of the findings of a study which investigated the influence of mathematics Braille proficiency on mathematics performance among learners with visual impairment in selected special secondary schools in Kenya. In this study, descriptive design was used with a sample size of 55 respondents comprising of head teachers, mathematics teachers and learners with visual impairment in two special secondary schools. The study respondents were purposively sampled. Findings on the level of mathematics braille proficiency possessed by learners with visual impairment; and the relationship between mathematics Braille skills and mathematics performance are reported. These findings demonstrate a very low level of mathematics Braille skills; and there was a significant positive relationship between mathematics braille proficiency and mathematics performance, particularly among touch readers. These findings confirmed that lack of mathematics braille proficiency contributed to poor mathematics performance. On the basis of these findings, some recommendations are provided. <p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0781/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Sustaining the Implementation of Dual-Language Programme (DLP) in Malaysian Secondary Schools

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-97
Author(s):  
Ashairi Suliman ◽  
Mohamed Yusoff Mohd Nor ◽  
Melor Md Yunus
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Dual Language ◽  
English Language ◽  
Jel Classification ◽  
Student Perspective ◽  
Mathematics Students ◽  
Programme Implementation ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
And Mathematics

Objective - The implementation of Dual-Language Programmes (DLP) in the teaching and learning of Science and Mathematics is an initiative under the ‘Upholding the Malay Language and Strengthening the English Language’ (MBMMBI) policy. Though it has some similarities with the previous policy known as ‘English for the Teaching of Science and Mathematics’ (PPSMI), its execution is idiosyncratic in its own way. Since its inception in 2016, the programme has entered its third cycle involving students in primary and secondary schools in Malaysia. The curiosity to scrutinise the programme implementation has led to this study. The study aims to investigate the execution of this programme and to assess its sustainability. Methodology/Technique – Gleaning through the students’ language capabilities, attitudes, teachers’ support and acceptance of the programme, the study uses a questionnaire with open-ended questions and focus group discussions to unravel the aforementioned issues. 1,530 students from secondary schools across Malaysia were selected as the respondents of this study. Findings - The results reveal findings that may represent a measure on the direction of this programme. Looking from the student perspective, the challenges confronted in addition to those put forward may further serve as an indicator for the sustainability of the program. Novelty – This study infers how the programme can be further enhanced in terms of its implementation in its fourth year since inception. The findings of this study may assist policy makers in shaping the direction of the programme. Type of Paper: Empirical. Keywords: Dual-Language Programme (DLP); Sustainability; Science and Mathematics; Students; Policy and Programme Implementation. JEL Classification: A20, A23 A29.

PARENTS AS PARTNERS IN AN INCLUSIVE EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (7) ◽  
pp. 152-158
Author(s):  
N. M. BURYKINA ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Special Needs ◽  
Educational Environment ◽  
Children With Special Needs ◽  
Raising Children ◽  
Philosophical Foundations ◽  
The Family ◽  
Children With Developmental Disabilities

This article discusses the role of the family in the social development of children with special needs in an inclusive educational environment, in connection with which the study addresses a new aspect of the interaction between the teacher and the child’s family, the interaction of the teacher (teacher) and parents of children with developmental disabilities is highlighted in a variety of areas, students in secondary schools or attending kindergartens. The purpose of the study is to assess the role of the family in the adaptation of children with developmental disabilities, studying in secondary schools or attending kindergartens. To achieve this goal, the author defines a range of research tasks: to study the historical and philosophical foundations of the role of the family in raising children with special needs; highlight the role of the family in implementing early intervention programs in secondary schools; substantiate the main stages that any school must go through, striving to create a more fruitful relationship between the school, family and community. The author stated the following results as a scientific novelty: general recommendations have been developed so that parents feel confident, competent and can work more productively together with teachers (educators) when children visit kindergarten groups (classes). As a result of the study, the author came to the conclusion that the process of teaching children with special needs in a comprehensive school is most effective in the interaction of the teacher and the family of the child.

scholarly journals Structured-light 3D scanning of exhibited historical clothing—a first-ever methodical trial and its results

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerzy Montusiewicz ◽  
Marek Miłosz ◽  
Jacek Kęsik ◽  
Kamil Żyła
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Structured Light ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
3D Models ◽  
3D Scanning ◽  
Dimensional Representation ◽  
3D Scanner ◽  
Three Dimensional Representation ◽  
3D Scanners

AbstractHistorical costumes are part of cultural heritage. Unlike architectural monuments, they are very fragile, which exacerbates the problems of their protection and popularisation. A big help in this can be the digitisation of their appearance, preferably using modern techniques of three-dimensional representation (3D). The article presents the results of the search for examples and methodologies of implementing 3D scanning of exhibited historical clothes as well as the attendant problems. From a review of scientific literature it turns out that so far practically no one in the world has made any methodical attempts at scanning historical clothes using structured-light 3D scanners (SLS) and developing an appropriate methodology. The vast majority of methods for creating 3D models of clothes used photogrammetry and 3D modelling software. Therefore, an innovative approach was proposed to the problem of creating 3D models of exhibited historical clothes through their digitalisation by means of a 3D scanner using structural light technology. A proposal for the methodology of this process and concrete examples of its implementation and results are presented. The problems related to the scanning of 3D historical clothes are also described, as well as a proposal how to solve them or minimise their impact. The implementation of the methodology is presented on the example of scanning elements of the Emir of Bukhara's costume (Uzbekistan) from the end of the nineteenth century, consisting of the gown, turban and shoes. Moreover, the way of using 3D models and information technologies to popularise cultural heritage in the space of digital resources is also discussed.

scholarly journals Comparative Analysis of Digital Models of Objects of Cultural Heritage Obtained by the “3D SLS” and “SfM” Methods

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 5321
Author(s):  
Marcin Barszcz ◽  
Jerzy Montusiewicz ◽  
Magdalena Paśnikowska-Łukaszuk ◽  
Anna Sałamacha
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Silk Road ◽  
Digital Models ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
University Of Technology ◽  
Three Dimensional Models ◽  
3D Digitisation

In the era of the global pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus, 3D digitisation of selected museum artefacts is becoming more and more frequent practice, but the vast majority is performed by specialised teams. The paper presents the results of comparative studies of 3D digital models of the same museum artefacts from the Silk Road area generated by two completely different technologies: Structure from Motion (SfM)—a method belonging to the so-called low-cost technologies—and by Structured-light 3D Scanning (3D SLS). Moreover, procedural differences in data acquisition and their processing to generate three-dimensional models are presented. Models built using a point cloud were created from data collected in the Afrasiyab museum in Samarkand (Uzbekistan) during “The 1st Scientific Expedition of the Lublin University of Technology to Central Asia” in 2017. Photos for creating 3D models in SfM technology were taken during a virtual expedition carried out under the “3D Digital Silk Road” program in 2021. The obtained results show that the quality of the 3D models generated with SfM differs from the models from the technology (3D SLS), but they may be placed in the galleries of the vitrual museum. The obtained models from SfM do not have information about their size, which means that they are not fully suitable for archiving purposes of cultural heritage, unlike the models from SLS.

scholarly journals 3D-Volume Rendering of the Pelvis with Emphasis on Paraurethral Structures Based on MRI Scans and Comparisons between 3D Slicer and OsiriX®

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
C. M. Durnea ◽  
S. Siddiqi ◽  
D. Nazarian ◽  
G. Munneke ◽  
P. M. Sedgwick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Image Processing ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Clinical Role ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
3D Slicer ◽  
Mri Scans ◽  
3D Volume ◽  
Good Agreement

AbstractThe feasibility of rendering three dimensional (3D) pelvic models of vaginal, urethral and paraurethral lesions from 2D MRI has been demonstrated previously. To quantitatively compare 3D models using two different image processing applications: 3D Slicer and OsiriX. Secondary analysis and processing of five MRI scan based image sets from female patients aged 29–43 years old with vaginal or paraurethral lesions. Cross sectional image sets were used to create 3D models of the pelvic structures with 3D Slicer and OsiriX image processing applications. The linear dimensions of the models created using the two different methods were compared using Bland-Altman plots. The comparisons demonstrated good agreement between measurements from the two applications. The two data sets obtained from different image processing methods demonstrated good agreement. Both 3D Slicer and OsiriX can be used interchangeably and produce almost similar results. The clinical role of this investigation modality remains to be further evaluated.

scholarly journals Improving 3D-3D facial registration methods: potential role of three-dimensional models in personal identification of the living

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniele Gibelli ◽  
Andrea Palamenghi ◽  
Pasquale Poppa ◽  
Chiarella Sforza ◽  
Cristina Cattaneo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Three Dimensional ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Personal Identification ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
3D Registration ◽  
Three Dimensional Models ◽  
Point To Point ◽  
Point Distance ◽  
Male Subjects

AbstractPersonal identification of the living from video surveillance systems usually involves 2D images. However, the potentiality of three-dimensional facial models in gaining personal identification through 3D-3D comparison still needs to be verified. This study aims at testing the reliability of a protocol for 3D-3D registration of facial models, potentially useful for personal identification. Fifty male subjects aged between 18 and 45 years were randomly chosen from a database of 3D facial models acquired through stereophotogrammetry. For each subject, two acquisitions were available; the 3D models of faces were then registered onto other models belonging to the same and different individuals according to the least point-to-point distance on the entire facial surface, for a total of 50 matches and 50 mismatches. RMS value (root mean square) of point-to-point distance between the two models was then calculated through the VAM® software. Intra- and inter-observer errors were assessed through calculation of relative technical error of measurement (rTEM). Possible statistically significant differences between matches and mismatches were assessed through Mann–Whitney test (p < 0.05). Both for intra- and inter-observer repeatability rTEM was between 2.2 and 5.2%. Average RMS point-to-point distance was 0.50 ± 0.28 mm in matches, 2.62 ± 0.56 mm in mismatches (p < 0.01). An RMS threshold of 1.50 mm could distinguish matches and mismatches in 100% of cases. This study provides an improvement to existing 3D-3D superimposition methods and confirms the great advantages which may derive to personal identification of the living from 3D facial analysis.

scholarly journals Heritage Artefacts in the COVID-19 Era: The Aura and Authenticity of 3D Models

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 519-539
Author(s):  
Thiago Minete Cardozo ◽  
Costas Papadopoulos
Keyword(s):  
User Experience ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Essential Elements ◽  
The Other ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
The Public ◽  
Affective Experiences ◽  
The One ◽  
Digital Engagement

Abstract Museums have been increasingly investing in their digital presence. This became more pressing during the COVID-19 pandemic since heritage institutions had, on the one hand, to temporarily close their doors to visitors while, on the other, find ways to communicate their collections to the public. Virtual tours, revamped websites, and 3D models of cultural artefacts were only a few of the means that museums devised to create alternative ways of digital engagement and counteract the physical and social distancing measures. Although 3D models and collections provide novel ways to interact, visualise, and comprehend the materiality and sensoriality of physical objects, their mediation in digital forms misses essential elements that contribute to (virtual) visitor/user experience. This article explores three-dimensional digitisations of museum artefacts, particularly problematising their aura and authenticity in comparison to their physical counterparts. Building on several studies that have problematised these two concepts, this article establishes an exploratory framework aimed at evaluating the experience of aura and authenticity in 3D digitisations. This exploration allowed us to conclude that even though some aspects of aura and authenticity are intrinsically related to the physicality and materiality of the original, 3D models can still manifest aura and authenticity, as long as a series of parameters, including multimodal contextualisation, interactivity, and affective experiences are facilitated.

scholarly journals Virtual Archaeology of Death and Burial: A Procedure for Integrating 3D Visualization and Analysis in Archaeothanatology

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 540-555
Author(s):  
Hayley L. Mickleburgh ◽  
Liv Nilsson Stutz ◽  
Harry Fokkens
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Information ◽  
3D Visualization ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
3D Models ◽  
The Body ◽  
Test Case ◽  
Archaeology Of Death ◽  
Human Burials ◽  
3D Information

Abstract The reconstruction of past mortuary rituals and practices increasingly incorporates analysis of the taphonomic history of the grave and buried body, using the framework provided by archaeothanatology. Archaeothanatological analysis relies on interpretation of the three-dimensional (3D) relationship of bones within the grave and traditionally depends on elaborate written descriptions and two-dimensional (2D) images of the remains during excavation to capture this spatial information. With the rapid development of inexpensive 3D tools, digital replicas (3D models) are now commonly available to preserve 3D information on human burials during excavation. A procedure developed using a test case to enhance archaeothanatological analysis and improve post-excavation analysis of human burials is described. Beyond preservation of static spatial information, 3D visualization techniques can be used in archaeothanatology to reconstruct the spatial displacement of bones over time, from deposition of the body to excavation of the skeletonized remains. The purpose of the procedure is to produce 3D simulations to visualize and test archaeothanatological hypotheses, thereby augmenting traditional archaeothanatological analysis. We illustrate our approach with the reconstruction of mortuary practices and burial taphonomy of a Bell Beaker burial from the site of Oostwoud-Tuithoorn, West-Frisia, the Netherlands. This case study was selected as the test case because of its relatively complete context information. The test case shows the potential for application of the procedure to older 2D field documentation, even when the amount and detail of documentation is less than ideal.

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