Enhanced Formalization, Fun-Factor, and Field Testing for a Low-Cost Braille Writing Tutor

The reported work advances the state-of-the-art in assistive technology for the blind by enhancing a low-cost automated tutor designed to teach braille writing skills to visually impaired children. The relatively low cost of this tutor makes it relevant and accessible to blind communities in both the developed and the developing world. We build on our prior work to extend this tutor along three dimensions. First, we provide a roadmap to formalize the tutor design according to the Intelligent Tutoring System methodology. Second, we conduct preliminary field tests of different aspects of the tutor in three countries and report on our findings. Third, and finally, we improve the tutor’s motivational factor by creating educational games that add to the fun of using the tutor. The outcome of this work is an enhanced low-cost tool that can help to promote braille literacy in blind communities around the world.