- Though specific countries had slight differences in terms of the content of mathematics
at the secondary level, 90% of the concepts used under the instructional strategies
section were common and therefore, the strategies could be used without difficulty. - In order to teach mathematics effectively, visually impaired children should be provided
with Braille books in mathematics which are not available in many places. - The idea of paper-folding provided insights into teaching concepts in algebra and
geometry in an understandable manner. - The instructional strategies and the creative mathematics sections should include
pictorial representations to make materials more self-instructional.
The trainees also went through the descriptions of each concept listed under the instructional
strategies section and edited language, content, and examples, wherever needed.
Country level activities
It was also decided at the end of the workshop that the trainees would go back to their
countries and teach mathematical Braille codes and mathematical concepts to visually
impaired children in the way they learned them during the workshop and bring feedback for
the follow-up workshop. ON-NET supported several country level workshops where the
trainees transmitted their knowledge acquired during the Master Trainers’ workshop to
teachers at the country level.
The work was continued on creative mathematics module and the content too was refined.
At this stage the contribution of Mr. T. Dharmarajan is particularly noteworthy. He worked
closely with the project team at the ICEVI Secretariat providing important feedback on the
package.
Development of Mathematical Transcription Software
While the workshops and feedback from all stakeholders reassured us that the possibility of
improving mathematics instructional methodology was an objective that could be attained;
the lack of mathematical text materials in many parts of Southeast Asia remained a serious
and unanswered challenge that would result in slowing down progress.
Although development of affordable software was not on the task list of the project
development team, the challenge was there and exploration started. M/s Webel
Mediatronics, Kolkata, India a software company involved in developing Braille translation
software was approached by ICEVI. Dr. Mani, Secretary General, ICEVI, provided all of the