Educational Models for the Blind
Educational Models for the Blind
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Through the use of 3D printing technology, educational concepts can be made tactile, enabling visually impaired children to engage with and grasp abstract ideas in a hands-on manner. I collaborate with blind schools in India to create 3D models tailored to the specific needs of blind students. These experiences have deepened my understanding of how technology can revolutionize education, making it more inclusive and accessible for all learners. This is a link to the STL files of my full human torso model with Braille labels: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7140345.
- Voice of the World School, Kolkata (Summer 2023)
Last summer, I worked with visually impaired kids at the VoW school, Kolkata. I created 3D building blocks for educational models covering a variety of topics from cellular structures to celestial bodies.
I added Braille-based legends & spatial markers on the blocks to aid in organization & assembly. I also ensured the blocks were distinct & used varied sizes & types of plastic to prevent confusion. These enhancements greatly helped the students to engage with the models.
Casual chats can help the kids to open up & help the sessions to be two-way
It was rewarding to see the interest and curiosity
It was a pleasure to meet the founder, Ms. Gargi Gupta, and get her feedback
2. Calcutta Blind School (Winter 2024)
2. Calcutta Blind School (Winter 2024)
I used my learnings to create educational models illustrating scientific concepts for high school students at the Calcutta Blind School - the oldest institution for the visually impaired in Kolkata, India.
Earlier, I had consulted with the faculty to identify the most useful models and learned that the students had recently completed the first half of their Life Sciences/Biology course, which focused on human anatomy.
I designed a frame resembling the human backbone and attached various organs in anatomically accurate positions. This design allowed the students to feel each organ individually as well as understand how they function together as a system. The model provided a clearer understanding of the roles of organs within the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems.
Sharing the 3D anatomical model with the faculty to determine the best way to explain it to students
The principal, Ms. Lisa Banerjee, told me "I had never imagined my heart looked like this!"
Working with the science faculty to explain the details of the digestive tract
I had models to talk about space exploration, & I was happy to answer questions on the different stages of rocket propulsion, etc.
Explaining the solar system to students
The science faculty were also very helpful and took their own interest to explain the models
It was gratifying to see that my models had been helpful and sparked interest amongst students. The models will be placed in the school's library and used as visual aids in their science courses.
It was a humbling experience to meet and work with the wonderful faculty and staff at the Calcutta Blind School
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