On Friday, January 10th a research group comprised of researchers from Syracuse University and the National ICT Innovation and Integration Centre worked with six students and three teachers at Thika School for the Blind. The research group is examining (a) the methods that can be used to teach students to use iOS devices to access text, and (b) how a community of practice can develop among these teachers and students. We donated eight iPads and wireless keyboards to the school, and will visit them over the next seven months, along with working with students and teachers at Kibos School for the Visually Impaired.
CaptionAlan Foley introducing the group of students and teachers to iPads
CaptionJoseph, a blind student, feeling a tactile document to learn about the orientation of icons on the iPad screen
CaptionAlan showing students with low vision and sighted teachers how to swipe
CaptionEmanuel trying out a keyboard with an iPad
CaptionAlan showing one of the teachers, Mr. Mburu, how VoiceOver works
CaptionOne of the students experimenting with a built-in camera
CaptionOne of the students with low vision working with the zoom feature
CaptionAlan officially handing over the iPads and keyboards to teachers and students at Thika
CaptionA group photo with the research group from SU and NI3C, and the principal, teachers and students
About Joanna Masingila
Joanna Masingila is Dean of the School of Education and Professor of Mathematics and Mathematics Education at Syracuse University. She was a Fulbright Scholar to Kenyatta University in 1998, and since that time Syracuse University and Kenyatta University have an institutional linkage.
