Open AccessVisualization without Vision – How Blind and Visually Impaired Students and Researchers Engage with Molecular Structures
Author(s) -
Croix Laconsay,
Henry B. Wedler,
Dean J. Tantillo
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of science education for students with disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1940-9923
pISSN - 1530-7859
DOI - 10.14448/jsesd.12.0012
Subject(s) - visually impaired , visualization , haptic technology , human–computer interaction , computer science , data science , artificial intelligence
This article examines the tools and techniques currently available that enable blind and visually impaired (BVI) individuals to visualize three-dimensional objects used in learning chemistry concepts. How BVI individuals engage with and visualize molecular structure is discussed and recent tactile (or haptic) and auditory methods for visualization of various chemistry concepts are summarized. Remaining challenges for chemistry education researchers are described with the aim of highlighting the potential value of educational research in further enabling BVI students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.