Course content

Target Group

The course is primarily aimed at individuals who wish to acquire formal competence in visual impairment pedagogy for work in the education sector.

Course Content

The course covers instruction in the braille system and learning to read and write braille both on paper and using assistive technology. Other key topics include methods for learning through senses other than vision, and facilitation from an inclusion perspective.

Main topics in the course:

• The braille system - standards and areas of application

• Haptic perception, tactile skills, and learning materials

• Reading and writing tactually - teaching methods, assistive technology, and educational materials

• Auditory teaching methods and learning materials as a resource in education

• Multimodal readers (who read visually, tactually, and auditorily)

Independence and inclusive practices are recurring themes throughout the course. The course also addresses issues related to facilitation for individuals with complex needs.

Learning outcome

Knowledge - the student has

• knowledge of 6-dot and 8-dot braille and their various areas of application
• knowledge of reading techniques and strategies for tactile reading, as well as methods in reading and writing instruction
• knowledge of the differences between tactile, visual, and auditory reading
• knowledge of assistive technology for the blind
• knowledge of educational adaptations that promote inclusion and participation

Skills - the student can

• write text in braille and read braille text visually
• apply theories of tactile reading and assess reading skills with regard to the adaptation of learning materials
• evaluate tactile learning materials in terms of readability for the student
• assess theories of auditory learning and work independently with educational adaptations for visual impairment
• assess the choice of reading and writing media in cases of progressive visual impairment
• facilitate educational practices that promote inclusion and participation

General competence - the student can

• apply their knowledge and skills in planning, implementing, and evaluating instruction for children, youth, and adults who use braille
• communicate about professional issues in the field of education for people who use braille, both with specialists and the general public

Learning methods and activities

Online activities and written assignments,

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Passed exam in PED6690 Introduction to Visual Impairment Education.

Course materials

See the reading list (approx. 900 pages).