Nemeth Math on the BrailleNote Apex Dan Brown HumanWare : Regional Account Manager, Texas

1. Nemeth Math on the BrailleNote Apex Dan Brown HumanWare: Regional Account Manager, Texas

2. Agenda Overview of Nemeth Code Methods of Nemeth instruction Nemeth braille in the classroom productivity conversion of Nemeth braille to print New techniques for Nemeth braille instruction BrailleNote Apex • Learn Nemeth • Write Nemeth • Print Nemeth • Benefits, tips and strategies ~

3. Overview of Nemeth Code Nemeth Code was created for braille mathematics Developed by Dr. Abraham Nemeth in 1946 Provides a framework for reading, writing, and solving mathematical equations Uses linear formats, symbols, and spatial arrangements to convey meanings Continues to be used in conjunction with UEB

4. Methods Used to Create Nemeth Braille Traditional tools for writing Nemeth Code: Braille writer Slate and stylus Talking calculator Braille graph paper Some students also use: • Braille note-takers • Computer with specialized software (MathType, LaTeX, Nemetex)

5. Productivity Depends on: High expectations for learning Student’s knowledge of Nemeth braille Level of staff support Availability of technology Consider: • Pace of classroom instruction • Braille and tactile materials to support learning

6. Process of Nemeth to Print Most common and reliable method: • Student completes math assignment in braille • Student gives braille assignment to TVI • TVI interlines print on braille assignment • Assignment is turned in to classroom teacher Challenge: • Delay in turning in assignment and receiving feedback when TVI is not available

7. Process of Nemeth to Print Creative students use: • Invented symbol guide when using the note-taker • Complex computer programs to export files and print math assignment

8. The Reality … • Limited resources • Most resources are created for adult learners • TVIs are expected to use resources creatively • Nemeth instruction must be individualized • Includes use of assistive technology “It is obvious that if a student who is blind does not possess a thorough knowledge of the Nemeth Code, he or she will not be able to attain reasonable levels of achievement in mathematics.” Dr. Gaylen Kapperman, Project Math Access

9. BrailleNote Apex in the Classroom Students can now utilize the same knowledge and skills on the BrailleNote Apex for all their assignments, including math. Functionality: 1. Learn Nemeth Braille code using the interactive Nemeth Tutorial 2. Create assignments in Nemeth Braille within the BrailleNote Apex’s word processor 3. Print or email a math assignment as a readable Microsoft document for the classroom teacher

10. Nemeth Tutorial Developed in collaboration with Northern Illinois University KeySoft “design” and integrated into the BrailleNote Main Menu Completely interactive instruction divided into 18 lessons Each lesson is designed to ensure the students’ full understanding of the Nemeth Code: • Explanation and examples of essential math concepts • Activities for reading and comprehending Nemeth math • Interactive writing tasks to confirm student’s accuracy • Proof-reading exercises to support learning

11. Demonstration This is what it looked like when a student wrote Nemeth braille in the Apex before the Nemeth Translator was added.

12. Writing Nemeth Braille on the Apex Create math in the BrailleNote’s word processor Receive multimodal audio and tactile feedback to ensure students are typing the correct symbol Reference guide to select Nemeth symbols and abbreviations Visual display allows teacher to monitor student’s work during instruction Instantly provide a print version for the classroom teacher, parents or other sighted peers

13. Nemeth Symbol Selector Contains specific Nemeth symbols Organized into categories Choose your desired symbol and KeySoft will insert it into the document Read the specific braille dots which make up that symbol Remember how to type it yourself next time!

14. KeySoft’s Scientific Calculator Use Nemeth Code in the calculator to find the correct answer Switch from Scientific Calculator to your math assignment document Scientific Calculator equations and answers are currently displayed in computer braille if inserted into the word processor

15. Write Nemeth Braille Advantages: Combine literary braille and Nemeth Code within the same document Save assignments as Microsoft Word documents and email them to classroom teachers TVIs no longer need to transcribe print on student’s braille copy Students are already familiar with KeySoft command structure

16. Creating A Print Copy Braille devices use a linear method of print translation (Abbreviations) Example: (OpenFrac) 1 over 2 (CloseFrac) X + 3 = 7 Print out will not show vertical or graphical representation vertical linear

17. Let’s See How It Works! Write a math equation View on visual display Print and emboss a copy Review a sample print and braille assignment

18. Benefits for Student and Teacher • Provide access to Nemeth braille in print for sighted teachers • Maximize instructional support from math teacher • Foster greater student independence • Facilitate efficient use of TVI’s service time (teach Nemeth Code vs. transcribing braille to print) • Promote productivity and efficiency for students

19. Tips and Strategies Collaborate with math teachers Include a variety of tactile experiences Supply resources to facilitate learning of concepts Provide opportunities to practice reading and writing Nemeth Code

20. Success Depends On … Knowledge of the Nemeth Code High expectations for the student Use of supporting resources including assistive technology

21. Resources for Nemeth Instruction • Project Math Access http://s22318.tsbvi.edu/mathproject/index.asp#main • Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation http://shop.aph.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_Nemeth%20Code%20for%20Mathematics%20and%20Science%20Notation,%201972%20Revision:%20Print_7-87430-00P_10001_11051 • Basic Nemeth (Mangold Development Programs) http://exceptionalteaching.net/mk8.html • Nemeth Code Reference Sheet for Basic Mathematics http://shop.aph.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_Nemeth%20Code%20Reference%20Sheet%20for%20Basic%20Mathematics_1025573P_10001_11051 • Nemeth Reference Sheets (National Braille Press) http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/NEMETH.html

22. Resources for Nemeth Instruction • Nemeth Tutorial (HumanWare) http://support.humanware.com/en-usa/support/braillenote_apex/software/optional_applications/nemeth_tutorial • Math Education and Nemeth Code http://www.tsbvi.edu/nemeth-code • Basic Nemeth Code (Hadley School for the Blind) http://www.hadley.edu/showCourseDetail.asp?Courseid=BNC-111

23. Thank you!