Workshops for Math and Tactile Graphics

Want to know what an Audio Graphing Calculator (AGC) can and cannot do?  In this workshop you will learn how to navigate the various screen pages and understand what each feature permits.  You will have opportunities to graph a few functions by inserting equations and plotting points, listen to their audiowaves, and print/emboss the resulting graphs.  We will also work with matrices and explore the evaluator screen.  Finally, we will test the usefulness of the AGC in solving sample algebra problems.  This training requires access to computers with AGC installed on them; Susan can help workshop hosts who need help in providing this set-up for the workshop.

Do you need support in creating computer generated tactile graphics? This is a hands-on training where participants will learn how to produce graphics by using MS Word 2003 or 2007 drawing features.

Participants in this hands-on workshop will have the opportunity to learn to create 2- and 3-dimensional figures, draw and measure angles, create number-line graphs, graph on the coordinate planes, create a pictograph, and draw circles and a Venn diagram just as their student with low vision or blindness would do.  This workshop is ideal for a small group (6-10 individuals) of math teachers, teachers of students with visual impairments, paraprofessionals and/ or parents, to help them in supporting the student with visual impairments in math classes.

Scientific Notebook (SNB) is a computer software program that is not accessible to a totally blind individual unless used with Voice Recognition Software. However, it is accessible to those with enough vision to benefit from SNB’s built-in enlargement features or through the use of external enlargement software. In this workshop, sighted participants will learn how to compose simple math materials using SNB, use SNB as a scientific graphing calculator, and prepare SNB documents for making large print copies and/or importation into Nemeth translation software (DBT WIN) for creating braille materials.

Tactile graphics gives visually impaired students access to maps, charts, graphs, and other types of illustrations. This workshop presents a variety of techniques, both low tech and high tech, for producing tactile graphics, as well as some quick techniques using easily accessible materials.  Teaching strategies and information on the development of appropriate tactile skills is emphasized, and suggestions are also given for teaching students to make their own tactile graphics, a requirement for mastery of TEKS.

* This workshop may be offered as a make-and-take training.

Math instruction is critical for all students, but especially for students with visual impairments. This workshop will discuss the need for collaboration among the math teacher, teacher of students with visual impairments, paraprofessional, family and student.  The presenter begins with a brief description of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) content standards and how these standards apply across all grades from pre-kindergarten through grade 12.  A discussion about accessible math tools and technology (pre-kindergarten-grade 12) are shared to help participants learn to apply each of the NCTM content standards in their instruction.  Susan will take participants through a problem-solving activity with sample TAKS test items at the 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, 6^th, 8^th, and exit grade levels.