• Announcing Virtual Pencil Algebra

Announcing Virtual Pencil Algebra

Henter Math is pleased to announce the release of a beta version of Virtual Pencil Algebra, computer software for interactive access to algebra for students who are blind or low vision. This standard Windows application presents the equations visually for the sighted teachers, and audibly for the blind students.

VPAlgebra provides solutions to the basic issues that a blind student encounters when dealing with simple Algebraic equations:

Using VPAlgebra a blind student can read, create, or manipulate equations involving a variety of elements and expressions, such as quantities, radicals, exponents, subscripts, matrices, fractions, and Greek symbols. VPAlgebra can be used by the student just like a pencil working through the problem step by step creating new equations. Teachers can use VPAlgebra to create an assignment or test, password protect it, and then send it to the student via email, save it to a diskette, print it or emboss it in Braille. The password prevents students from changing the assignment. The same assignment can be printed-out for able-bodied students in the class, saving the teacher a lot of time.

Future versions of this product will handle higher levels of math, such as advanced algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and graphs. There will also be support for nemeth Braille output on embossers and refreshable Braille displays, alternative input devices for motor impaired students, and enhanced visual/audio displays for learning disabled students. For this first version a blind student will need the Jaws screen reader to work with VPAlgebra. Plans are to configure other screen readers and screen magnifiers to work with this product in the future.

You can read more about VPAlgebra at www.HenterMath.com, Beta info link, and download the beta version for a free trial.