Sound-based Computer Models as an Exploratory Learning Environment for Blind Students in Science Education

Although blind students are integrated into public schools, they are often excluded from fu ll participation in science as most learning materials are visual, thus limiting equity. To overcome this limitation, an existing model-based inquiry-learning environment was adapted by means of sonification. We examine whether perceptual compensation creates a comparable learning environment for blind and sighted students. We assess conceptual learning in science and reasoning about complex systems. Data were collected by pre and post questionnaires and answers to workbook items. The environment not only supported blind students’ learning similarly, but even furthered their learning with one of the more challenging concepts - diffusion. It seems auditory representation increases sensitivity to the micro-level interactions in a way less accessible in visual representations. (מתוך המאמר‎)