Dr Denise M Robinson

Access Technology & Education Services for Blind and Low Vision

Search results for: “math”

  • Desmos 3D graphing calculator with screen reader commands

    Dr. Robinson introduces the Desmos 3D Graphing tool, an essential resource for educators working with blind and low vision students. This tool allows users to create and manipulate 3D objects, enhancing the learning experience for students who require tactile or visual aids. As a teacher of the blind, Dr. Robinson emphasizes the importance of providing accessible 3D objects that students can manipulate as they learn. She demonstrates how to use Desmos 3D Graphing, starting with a simple circle and transforming it into a 3D cylinder.

    Throughout the demonstration, Dr. Robinson highlights the seamless integration of Desmos 3D Graphing with braille displays, ensuring the content is accessible to students with visual impairments. She manipulates the cylinder’s size and shape using various commands, showing how easy it is to adjust these parameters in real-time. This hands-on approach allows students to understand the relationship between mathematical equations and their 3D representations. A 3D printer can create image or acquire an actual can of soup to compare to a circle/cylinder for further student understanding.

    Image of Cylinder created with Desmos 3-D Graphing

    image of a 3D cylinder using Desmos

    Dr. Robinson further explores Desmos 3D Graphing by adjusting a parabola into different shapes, including a “blob” that can be physically modeled using clay. This tactile method helps blind students grasp the concept of changing variables and their impact on the graph’s shape. The ability to adjust and visualize these graphs is particularly beneficial for students preparing for tests or needing to solidify their understanding of complex mathematical concepts. For real time learning, either 3-D emboss or 2-D emboss graphs. For ease, hand molding clay is cheap and easy for any object

    In addition to demonstrating the tool’s functionality, Dr. Robinson encourages users to explore more on the Desmos website, including the blog and available shortcuts. The continuous improvements in Desmos 3D Graphing make it a powerful tool for blind and low vision students. By integrating this tool into their learning process, educators can significantly enhance the accessibility and engagement of math lessons. Desmos 3D Graphing provides an invaluable resource for making advanced math concepts accessible to all students. Regardless of their visual abilities, you can access Desmos Lessons.

    More Desmos Lessons:

    Desmos 3D graphing

    for Geometry in Desmos

    for STEM and Embossing in Desmos

    Desmos and inserting graphs into Math Work in WORD

    Creating shaded Parabolas in Desmos

    Games with Desmos with Drag and Drop

  • Desmos graphing calculator with shaded Parabolas, screen reader, braille display and embosser

    Dr. Robinson demonstrates how to create and manipulate a parabola using the Desmos shaded parabolas using the graphing calculator. This process is specifically designed for blind and low vision students. She begins by typing an equation. Desmos automatically adds sliders, allowing the adjustment of the graph’s shape in real-time.

    As Dr. Robinson runs the equation, the parabola expands, resembling the curve of a ball in motion. She explains the importance of embossing the graph so students can physically feel its structure on the XY plane. This tactile approach helps students understand mathematical concepts more concretely.

    To enhance accessibility, Dr. Robinson uses the “Alt + T” command to activate the audio trace. This feature provides valuable auditory information about the graph. She also slows down the narration using “Control + Shift + Page Down,” ensuring clarity and comprehension.

    Next, Dr. Robinson shares the graph with her students using the “Insert + F5” command. She exports the graph as a Braille-ready image, making it accessible for students who rely on tactile feedback. After downloading the image, she opens it in a photo editor to enhance contrast. This step ensures that the lines are clearly defined for the student.

    Tiger Designer

    Dr. Robinson then pastes the edited image of Desmos shaded parabolas into Tiger Designer, a software used to prepare tactile graphics for printing(emboss). Using “Control + P,” she embosses the graph on her ViewPlus embosser, allowing students to feel the parabola and compare it with what their sighted peers see.

    This hands-on approach for STEM, ensures that blind students can fully participate in graphing activities. Dr. Robinson’s method integrates technology and tactile feedback, making math accessible and engaging. Through these steps, she empowers students to understand and interact with complex mathematical concepts. This demonstration showcases the effective use of Desmos and related tools to enhance learning for visually impaired students.

  • Take large PDF files and Print to PDF to save just a few pages vs the whole file

    Dr. Robinson explains in video how to reduce a large PDF to just a few pages, so anyone can “copy” just a few pages out as needed or convert a whole inaccessible PDF to something accessible with a screen reader. She begins with a blurry PDF of “A Tale of Two Cities,” demonstrating how it turns blue when clicked, or a screen reader saying “empty document”. To make the PDF more manageable, she uses the “Control + P” command, which is the universal print command across browsers. She selects “Microsoft Print to PDF” from the printer options and then uses “Alt + G” to navigate quickly to the page selection. After selecting only two pages to save, she names the file and saves it to her downloads folder using “Alt + D” followed by “Alt + S.”

    Next, Dr. Robinson uses MathKicker.AI, an AI program typically for math conversions but also converts anything to convert the PDF to a DOCX file. She opens Math Kicker, navigates to the convert to PDF button by pressing “B,” and waits for it to convert. Once the conversion is complete, she accesses the converted file using “Control + J” in a browser or “Windows + E” to open the file explorer. In file explorer and selects the newly saved PDF from her downloads folder.

    Print Options to reduce a PDF

    blurry PDF with print options open

    After verifying that the correct pages were saved, she adjusts the viewing size to 200% using “Alt + V” and then “Z” to make the text more readable in WORD. The text appears flawless, making it easy for screen readers to process and read aloud.

    Dr. Robinson emphasizes that this method is particularly useful for low vision or blind students, allowing them to access only the necessary pages of a large PDF and allowing them to use a screen reader to read content. This approach also benefits fully sighted users who may struggle with poor-quality images. By converting and saving specific pages, users can create clear, readable text from even the blurriest PDFs. There are AI programs on the WEB that will do this also.

    More PDF Lessons:

    Math and taking inaccessible to accessible in WORD

    Type directly on a PDF

    Transcribe Math Images from PDF

  • Drag n Drop with Jaws, in Macmillan Learning online

    Raveena demonstrates how to navigate and complete a drag-and-drop exercise on the Macmillan Learning website using JAWS Drag n Drop screen reader commands. She begins by turning off the virtual cursor with “Insert + Z” and then tabs to the answer bank. To lift an answer, she presses “Space,” then uses “Shift + Tab” to move the item to the correct bin and presses “Space” again to drop it.

    She describes the process while placing items into three bins: Abundant Inputs, Mass Production, and Specialized Skills. As she navigates through the answer bank, she explains each action, ensuring clarity for users following along. For instance, when encountering the answer “Japan’s comparative advantage in automobile manufacturing,” Raveena picks up the item with “Space,” shift tabs to the correct bin, and drops it with “Space” again.

    Double Check Work after JAWS Drag n Drop

    drag n drop bins to place items

    Raveena emphasizes the importance of verifying answers. After placing an item, she recommends tabbing back to the answer bank to ensure no items are left. She also notes that when an item is correctly placed, JAWS will confirm it by saying “item dropped in.” If the item is incorrectly placed, it will say “placed in item,” prompting users to recheck their work.

    To submit the answers, Raveena turns the virtual cursor back on with “Insert + Z” and uses the “Control + F” command to search for the “Submit Answer” button. She enters “submit” and presses “Enter” to locate the button quickly. After submitting, JAWS provides feedback, indicating whether the answers were correct.

    Raveena concludes by highlighting the effectiveness of using these commands for JAWS drag n drop tasks. She encourages users to practice these steps to enhance their efficiency and accuracy when completing similar exercises. This method ensures that visually impaired users can fully engage with interactive online content, making learning accessible and manageable. JAWS Drag n Drop is just one component of learning advanced keyboard commands in College. Make sure you computer is working well to keep your screen reader happy.

    As a side note, getting a hobby like rock climbing, makes one well rounded as Raveena also demonstrates by scaling a wall at the Olympics.

    Find more with Desmos:

    Desmos 3D graphing

    for Geometry in Desmos

    for STEM and Embossing in Desmos

    Desmos and inserting graphs into Math Work in WORD

    Creating shaded Parabolas in Desmos

    Lessons with Desmos with Drag and Drop

  • Kim Shares How Computer Access Empowered Her to Keep Up with Her Peers in School

    Kim began as a young student with TechVision. Her mother sought help and discovered that we provide real-time instruction using everyday technology essential for future job success. TechVision worked with Kim several days a week, ensuring continuous learning and growth. She used a PC with access technology to access her school platform and all else, including a Computer Enabled access with screen readers and a braille display, to access her world and education. Over time, she transformed from a struggling blind student, reliant on constant para and teacher support, to an independent learner working on her own. This is her story, please listen.

    For Kim, moving from depending on others for her education to becoming independent changed everything. With TechVision’s hands-on, real-time learning, she learned to use screen readers and a braille display, which let her access schoolwork by herself. Instead of always needing help from a para or teacher, Kim could now complete her assignments on her own, just like her classmates. This gave her confidence and made her feel more in control of her education. Being able to work independently helped her stay on track with her peers and prepared her for future success. A Computer Enabled access to change her life.

    Another life changing story from Jordan. TechVision also enabled computer access for her.

    Learn those skills Now.

    Let us know how we can help you: Contact US: TechVisionTraining@yourtechvision.com

  • How to Prevent AI Cheating in Class and at Home

    Teachers can Slow or stop AI cheating both in the classroom and at home through strategic measures. In the classroom, lock down browsers effectively prevent students from accessing unauthorized websites or AI tools during exams. These browsers restrict students to a single screen, blocking external resources. Additionally, teachers should design assignments that require critical thinking and personalized responses. Such tasks are challenging for AI to complete accurately, as they demand unique, context-specific answers.

    chatgpt and curb classroom AI cheating

    To further Slow or Stop AI cheating in class and home, teachers should incorporate oral assessments and apps like Khan academy. These require students to verbally explain their answers or spell out terms, making it difficult to rely on AI-generated content-Video details here. Monitoring classroom activity is crucial as well. By actively observing students’ screens, teachers can spot hidden screens or content that doesn’t match a student’s usual work.

    At home, teachers can assign open-ended projects that require creativity and personal reflection. These assignments are less likely to be successfully completed by AI. Requiring students to submit drafts or process documentation ensures they engage with the material and don’t merely copy answers. Time-limited tests can reduce the likelihood of students using AI tools during online exams. By setting strict time limits and challenging questions, teachers can make quick AI lookups impractical.

    Teachers should also utilize plagiarism and AI detection tools to identify suspicious content to curb classroom AI cheating. Follow-up video calls or in-person meetings, where students explain their answers, can verify that they genuinely understand the material. Engaging parents is another key strategy. By encouraging parental involvement, teachers can help monitor the home environment and promote honest academic practices.

    Through these combined strategies, teachers can significantly reduce AI cheating, ensuring students learn and demonstrate true understanding.

    Teach the Need to WANT students to do the right thing

    Optimizing Windows 11 Efficiency for Screen Reader with Key Settings and Configurations

    WORD Efficient Text Navigation and Selection

    Basic WORD JAWS commands with Typing Trick

    Rebuild Microsoft Word Template when it is not working well

    Microsoft Word MLA format with Christopher Duffley

    WORD accessible food chain for class using talking software

    Commands to change mouse -access programs fast, basics in Word font & movement

    Excel line plot graph-copy to Word for Math

    Complete an excel graph and copy into Word document with screen reader

    Essential WORD keyboard commands for setting defaults

    Track changes in Word-How teachers make corrections in work

    Track Changes with Commands-inserting comments and editing work

  • Accessible Venn Diagrams with a Screen Reader: How Blind Students Navigate and Understand Overlapping Sets

    Accessible Venn Diagrams with a Screen Reader: How Blind Students Navigate and Understand Overlapping Sets

    Using Venn diagrams with screen readers involves strategic design and specific keyboard commands to ensure accessibility. Each set in the diagram must have clear, descriptive labels to guide screen reader users effectively. These labels help users understand the content without needing visual cues. Alt text plays a crucial role by summarizing the Venn diagram’s purpose, the sets involved, and their intersections. This concise description enables screen reader users to grasp the diagram’s structure and intent.

    Keyboard navigation is essential for screen reader users to interact with Venn diagrams. The Tab key allows users to move through interactive elements like text boxes or linked descriptions associated with the diagram. Arrow keys are useful for navigating within tables or text boxes that describe the diagram’s content. This functionality ensures that users can access all relevant information without relying on visual input.

    Screen Reader Venn Diagram Commands

    Screen reader software, like JAWS or NVDA, includes commands that facilitate navigation. In JAWS, the Ctrl+H command lets users jump between headings, making it easier to navigate through complex content. NVDA users can use the Ctrl+Alt+Arrow keys to move between headings or landmarks within a webpage or document. These commands are vital for quickly accessing different parts of the content related to the Venn diagram.

    Incorporating structured content enhances the usability of Venn diagrams for screen reader users. Headings, bullet points, and numbered lists help break down complex information into manageable sections. This structure allows users to follow the logical flow of information without confusion. So, Screen reader users can also navigate through tables that complement the Venn diagram. Tables list elements within each set and describe intersections, making the relationships between sets clear. JAWS users can move horizontally between cells using Ctrl+Alt+Right/Left Arrow keys, and vertically with Ctrl+Alt+Up/Down Arrow keys.

    image of a 3 ringed screen reader Venn Diagram to add information from a download link

    Careful Planning

    Creating accessible Venn diagrams for screen reader users requires careful planning. By using descriptive text, alt text, structured content, and keyboard commands, educators and content creators can ensure that all users, including those who rely on screen readers, can effectively interact with and understand Venn diagrams. These strategies are essential for making complex visual information accessible to everyone. More Video Lessons here

    Create your Venn Diagram via WORD and shapes, applications key to move to back or forward then use these commands to access: Venn Diagram-Accessible

    Ctrl Shift O to all objects, escape when done writing, select object then tab through all objects to access A, B and other combo letters. Once open in Google, Alt f to file and d to download as Word doc. Then F12 for save as and Ctrl Shift O will work correctly. This will NOT work in Google.

    When done, have student emboss off a copy to feel what it is like and if you are having computer issues, tweak it to work better with screen reader.

    Another lesson that occurs in school: Family Tree with Smart Art and screen reader

    Math Lessons

    Transcribe Math Images

    Quadratic Math

    STEM with Embossing

    Perfect Digital Math

    JAWS and MathCat

    Unicode with UEB Math

    UEB Math with Jaws

    UEB LaTex math with Jaws

    Braille Math in WORD Editor-Multi-line

    Split Braille for Buffer Mode

    Braille Blaster

    Desmos Lessons:

    Desmos 3D graphing

    for Geometry in Desmos

    for STEM and Embossing in Desmos

    Desmos and inserting graphs into Math Work in WORD

    Creating shaded Parabolas in Desmos

    Games with Desmos with Drag and Drop

    Drag n Drop in Macmillan Learning

    Creating Geometry Table

  • Spanish Braille Setup with JAWS and a Focus Braille Display: How to Configure Any Language

    Dr. Robinson demonstrates how to set up a Spanish language profile in JAWS for a perfect JAWS Spanish language setup. This focuses on accessibility for Spanish-speaking students or students learning a 2nd language. She begins by explaining the differences in braille capitalization across regions. In European countries, dot six is used for capitals, while the U.S. and other areas use dots four and six. The braille display must output the text correctly in Word to ensure accurate reading.

    Dr. Robinson guides users through the JAWS settings and starts with inserting a language profile. She uses specific keyboard commands, such as “Insert 6,” to access the JAWS settings center. She emphasizes the importance of setting the default language to Spanish (Spain International). This ensures that the braille output is in Spanish Grade 1. After adjusting the settings, she double-checks everything in Word to confirm that the changes have held.

    Jaws Spanish language setup for braille and information on how to type it out in WORD

    Quickly Switch Between Language for Jaws Spanish Braille Setup

    Next, Dr. Robinson explains how to switch between languages. She advises setting up multiple language profiles. This allows quick toggling between them using commands like “Ctrl+Shift+Windows+L” or specific braille display commands. She ensures that the students can easily switch between English and Spanish, making their work seamless and efficient. See all JAWS Spanish language Setups and other lessons here.

    Throughout the setup, Dr. Robinson highlights the importance of using commands to add necessary braille dots for accurate translation. Adding dot eight ensures the correct representation of certain letters and punctuation marks. She demonstrates how to practice symbols and contractions on the braille display, ensuring students are comfortable with the layout.

    Dr. Robinson mentions that a practice sheet with all the necessary symbols and contractions are available on website. The website, yourtechvision.com, offers this resource to help students reinforce their learning. This resource helps students reinforce their learning and practice braille accurately. With this setup, students can work efficiently in Word using JAWS. They will perform tasks just like their peers with the help of a Focus 40 braille display. Then progress to using this in Google Classroom

    Other Spanish Lessons

    Braille Setup for Spanish

    Spanish Braille input output

    Spanish Braille with Jaws

    Switch Display Modes

  • Flashcard Studying in Google Sheets with a Screen Reader: Eme’s Accessible Study Method

    Emē, a student of Dr. Denise Robinson demonstrates how she studies Spanish vocabulary using Google Sheets with a screen reader. She starts by copying vocabulary words into Google Sheets, though typing them in directly is also an option. After setting up the sheet, she explains the importance of naming it to avoid losing any work. She uses Google Sheets similarly to how a sighted student would use flashcards. This method is an excellent example of Flashcard studying in sheets. Column A contains the English words, while Column B holds the Spanish translations.

    Certainly! Here is the revised paragraph with “Emē”:

    Emē introduces a “difficulty” column in Column C, where she rates how challenging each word is to remember. She assigns a value between one and five, depending on how well she recalls each word. This rating system allows her to sort the words based on difficulty later, making her study sessions more effective. This technique enhances the efficiency of flashcard studying in sheets methods.

    To make the study process more efficient, Emē explains how to randomize the rows. This prevents her from memorizing the order of the words rather than learning the words themselves. She uses specific keyboard commands to select all rows and columns, then accesses the “randomize range” function through the search menu. Randomization is key for effective flashcard studying in sheets techniques.

    image of Flashcard studying in sheets with multiple rows and columns of information

    After randomizing, Emē sorts the words by difficulty, placing the hardest words at the top for focused study. She even hides the easiest words, rated as ones, to avoid wasting time on words she already knows well. If she needs to retrieve the hidden words, she can easily unhide them using the “unhide rows” function. This is another way flashcard studying can be efficiently carried out in sheets.

    Emē concludes by showing how she reviews and updates the difficulty ratings as she studies. This method allows her to keep track of her progress and focus on words that need the most attention. She highlights that this approach to flashcard studying in sheets with Google Sheets is both accessible and effective, making it a great tool for blind and visually impaired students.

    solving inequalities

    Create Histogram

    Excel Trend-line with Scatter Plot

    Other Excel Lessons that you can do in Sheets

    Learn more Great Study habits with Google and more Videos on our YouTube Channel:

  • Track Changes with Commands-inserting comments and editing work

    Track Changes in Microsoft Word is an essential tool for collaborative editing and document management. It allows multiple users to make and review edits, providing a clear, organized record of all changes. This feature is invaluable for maintaining the integrity of the original document while incorporating feedback from various contributors. By visually displaying insertions, deletions, and comments, Track Changes enhances transparency and accountability in the editing process. It also simplifies the task of accepting or rejecting modifications, ensuring that the final document meets the desired standards. The typical use is for students to create work and teachers to edit with comments, and it is possible to easily track changes with commands. This is easily done with any screen reader.

    Track Changes with Commands in Microsoft Word is a powerful tool for collaborative editing and document management. Here are some key details on its importance and usage:

    Key Benefits

    1. Transparency: Track Changes provides a clear, organized record of all modifications made to a document.
    2. Accountability: By displaying who made each change, Track Changes holds contributors accountable for their edits.
    3. Efficiency: Track Changes streamlines the editing process by allowing users to accept or reject changes with a single click. This efficiency saves time and reduces the likelihood of errors3.
    4. Enhanced Communication: The ability to add comments and suggestions directly within the document fosters better communication among team members. This feature helps clarify the intent behind changes and facilitates constructive feedback4.
    Track Changes with Commands and comments
    Track Changes with Commands and comments

    How to Use Track Changes with keystrokes

    1. Turning On/Off: Press Ctrl + Shift + E to toggle Track Changes on or off. Alternatively, go to the Review tab and click on the Track Changes button1.
    2. Viewing Changes: Use the Display for Review menu to choose how edits and comments are displayed. Options include Simple Markup, All Markup, No Markup, and Original2.
    3. Ctrl Shift ‘ opens all tracks with JAWS screen reader
    4. Accepting/Rejecting Changes: Navigate to the Review tab with Alt R and use the Accept or Reject buttons to manage changes. You can also right-click on a change to accept or reject it3.
    5. Adding Comments: Press Ctrl + Alt + M to insert a new comment. Navigate through comments using Alt + R, then N for the next comment or P for the previous comment1.

    Other Lessons

    Optimizing Windows 11 Efficiency for Screen Reader with Key Settings and Configurations

    WORD Efficient Text Navigation and Selection

    Document formatting editing elements: Edit margins, tab, headers, footers & more

    Basic WORD JAWS commands with Typing Trick

    Rebuild Microsoft Word Template when it is not working well

    Microsoft Word MLA format with Christopher Duffley

    WORD accessible food chain for class using talking software

    Commands to change mouse -access programs fast, basics in Word font & movement

    Excel line plot graph-copy to Word for Math

    Complete an excel graph and copy into Word document with screen reader

    Essential WORD keyboard commands for setting defaults

    Track changes in Word-How teachers make corrections in work

    How Colleges Help Visually Impaired Students Succeed

    Get your 1:1 instruction on any skill today

    If you are Low Vision, this lesson may help you

    and if you have having issues with WORD–rebuild it

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