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Back-2-School 
Article citation: Osterhaus, S.A. (2003). Susan’s math technology corner: Back-2-School: What's new and what's improved. Division on Visual Impairments Quarterly, 49(1), 5-8.
Two
new additions have been made to the AGC since I first wrote about this self-voiced
computer software program (Osterhaus, 2002). The user can now graph two functions
on the same coordinate plane, and work with matrices.
Being able to graph two functions at the same time allows the study of parent functions, finding the solution of certain systems of equations, and even graphing some non-functions, such as a circle.
The Matrix Tab Page has only one edit box into
which one enters matrix expressions and in which the results are displayed after
evaluation. Matrices may be added, subtracted, and multiplied. A square matrix
may be inverted with the inv function. The determinant of a square matrix may
be obtained with the det function.
The new downloadable AGC is priced at $99.
ViewPlus Technologies has created a whole new family
of Tigers. Tiger Embossers now do interpoint. They can automatically interlace
tactile graphics. Tigers even let you choose stack paper or tractor media, or
both. Create your tactile math graphics using the AGC or Microsoft Word's
Drawing Toolbar and send them to a Tiger. You can now choose from the Tiger
Pro, Tiger Max, Tiger Cub, or Tiger Cub Jr. Prices range from $9750 to $3999.95.
http://www.viewplustech.com
mimio Xi - the portable and affordable device that
turns any whiteboard into an interactive whiteboard. Simply attach mimio Xi
to any standard whiteboard, connect to your PC and everything that is written
or drawn is instantly recorded - in color and real-time so that it can be
saved and shared with students, parents, and colleagues (like the VI teacher).
With the VCR-like playback feature, students can rewind and replay notes,
stroke-by-stroke, at their own pace. With the zoom feature, visually impaired
students can magnify a word, equation, or diagram to the desired size. 
Diagrams can also be sent directly to a Tiger Embosser;
however, any labeling will be in raised handwriting - still pretty good for
"quick and dirty" feedback. $799
This is a computer software program that can be used
to interactively solve a math problem. The software does the job of the pencil.
It moves to the right spot on the "paper," guided by the user, and
inputs the answers that the user selects. When used with a screen reader, the
numbers and actions are read aloud. The user must navigate the screen and provide
the input. The current product handles addition, subtraction, multiplication,
and division. You can download a demo, or purchase it on-line for $99. Future
versions will include higher levels of math: algebra, trigonometry, differential
equations, and calculus. http://www.hentermath.com
This new set of Nemeth Reference Sheets from National Braille Press is formatted
like a calendar. It can be hung on a wall or laid flat on a desk. Each page
lists Nemeth symbols in print, braille, and ASCII formats followed by examples
of how to use these symbols. It includes braille indicators, basic arithmetic,
geometry, algebra, advanced math, alphabets, and miscellaneous symbols. It is
available in print only for $14.95. http://www.nbp.org
I evaluated the Twist & Shout Multiplication version, and I'll
have to admit that I found it to be quite a fun way for children to learn their
multiplication facts. This version has a volume control and earphone jack, which
is highly desirable. While children love the "cool" catchy music and
persistent male voice, most adults will be pleased to know that there is also
an automatic shut-off. I needed assistance installing the batteries, but decided
this was a good safety feature! Although some of the games can be played without
using vision, unless the child can read the print raised numbers, they should
be brailled. http://www.leapfrog.com and http://www.independentliving.com
Money
counting is made fun and easy with this user-friendly totally accessible game.
Slide the realistic coins and bills from left to right, and the new total is
both read and displayed on the LCD screen. When a coin or bill is moved back
to the left, the amount is subtracted from the total and the new total announced
and displayed. Two challenging games announce a target amount, which the child
needs to match. The quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies are sized correctly
and are excellent facsimiles, whereas the dollar bills have been miniaturized.
However, all the coins have "ridges" on their edges. I wish the pennies
and nickels had smooth edges, as some visually impaired children rely on the
"ridges" to distinguish pennies from dimes. Nevertheless, the descending
value arrangement and correct sizing of the coins should give most children
all the clues they need. If not, simply glue the "real" coins on top
of the fake coins. The Coin Abacus features a headphone jack, batteries, AC
adapter jack, and automatic shutoff.http://www.parentbanc.com and http://www.independentliving.com
I was really excited about evaluating this item. In
theory, it's a wonderful teaching tool. Children can learn how to make purchases,
use the register's calculator to compute totals, make change, scan bar codes,
use a credit card, and even make announcements over a microphone. However in
practice, I encountered several problems. I had difficulty lining up the scanner
with the bar codes - a very visual task. Once I did line it up properly, it
often announced the wrong price. (Of course that happens at a real store too!)
The microphone did not amplify my voice, although it did make that wonderful
funky sound when you blow into a real mike. The cash drawer kept sticking every
time I pressed the Open key. I patiently kept trying to limber it up, but then
when it occasionally did open, it snagged on the bar code scanner cord. The
play money was very realistic in size and features, including ridges only on
the edges of the quarters and dimes. However, the weight and feel of real money
wasn't there. I would have replaced the fake money with the real thing,
which could be easily done. If everything had worked as advertised, it would
have been an excellent learning tool. I'm sure we could have even resolved
the bar code scanning problem. I searched the Internet and determined that others
had similar problems to mine, but they said that the kids still loved playing
with it for hours on end. Ah, to be young again and enjoy the magic of make
believe! http://www.independentliving.com
Osterhaus, S.A. (2002). Susan's math technology corner: The Accessible Graphing Calculator (AGC) from ViewPlus Software. Division on Visual Impairments Quarterly, 47(2), 55-58.
Susan
A. Osterhaus
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Phone: 512-206-9305
E-mail: susanosterhaus@tsbvi.edu
Website: http://www.tsbvi.edu/math
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