A translating program usability analysis of alternative multimedia mathematics materials for the blind

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the performance of the braille translation program on formulas, graphs, and tables of middle school mathematics. To do so, the forms of expression and the degrees and accuracy in the EBS braille math workbooks and in the braille conversion of EBS general math workbooks by using braille translation software were analyzed. As a result, there were omissions of 4 decorative visual data in the linear equations, 6 required and decorative visual data in the direct proportions, and 7 required and decorative visual data in the number of diagonals of the polygons in the EBS braille workbook files. There were 2 marked omissions of graphs in the direct proportions and graphs, and 3 unmarked omissions of pictures in the diagonals of the polygons, in the EBS braille math workbook files. There were 2 inadequate full translation of formulas in the solving linear equations, 2 unmarked omissions of graphs in the direct proportions and graphs, and in the diagonal of the polygons, there were 5 unmarked omissions of formulas and 3 unmarked omissions of formulas, translated from the EBS general math workbooks. The study showed braille errors in EBS braille math workbooks and braille translation errors by the braille translation program in math formulas, pictures, and graphs of EBS general math workbooks. The study presented specific braille translation errors occurred and the reasons as to math formulas, pictures, and graphs. The limitation of the study was that the proper types and ways of braille-translation of visual materials in math were not addressed. Braille translation programs used in Korea should be all comparatively analyzed and an improvement solution should be designed with the participation of blind users and braille translators in the future study.