Learning support system based on note-taking method for people with acquired visual disabilities

Abstract

This study is intended to produce a learning support system for middle-aged people and elderly people with acquired visual disabilities. Our investigation results related to tools of study show that the use of Braille and PCs has decreased in the classes. The first reason is that the number of elderly students has increased. Secondly, finger-reading is difficult for people with diabetic neuropathy. Thirdly, the Japanese kanji transfer system makes the keyboard operation of a PC difficult. We are developing new note-taking systems. One is Braille-type system; the other is a pen-based system. We produced prototypes. Our students used and evaluated them. We are planning to establish a learning support system using these devices. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.