Book Title: Contemporary Research Across Disciplines
Editors: Dr. R. Saravana Selvakumar and Mr. R. Venkatesan
ISBN: 978-81-978738-1-2
Chapter: 3
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/crc3/278
Author: Dr. S. Suganthi, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science, G. Venkataswamy Naidu College (Autonomous), Kovilpatti, Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract
Mastering Braille is essential for individuals with visual impairments, as it equips them with the skills to read, write, and communicate effectively. Despite the availability of various educational tools, Tamil Braille primarily relies on traditional methods such as Braille blocks. This paper introduces an innovative educational system incorporating a tangible and interactive interface to aid visually impaired children in learning Tamil Braille letters and numbers. The system integrates a tactile Braille keypad with an educational website, combining physical and digital learning environments. The tactile Braille keypad, developed using IoT technology, communicates with the educational open-source toolkit, offering a modern approach to Braille education.
A usability test evaluated the system’s user-friendliness, revealing that when used with the educational toolkit, the interactive Braille keypad significantly improves learning outcomes for blind children. This system can transform Tamil Braille education, making it more engaging and accessible for visually impaired students. User studies with blind children indicate that the keypad fosters intrinsic motivation for Braille learning and empowers children to independently interact with Braille characters, addressing challenges in Braille reading acquisition.
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