Accessible interactive learning of missing-digit arithmetic problems for students with visual disabilities

Abstract Despite the advancements in digital learning, students with visual disabilities face significant challenges in mathematics, particularly in solving arithmetic problems like missing digit identification in addition and subtraction. The insufficient availability of accessible tools with real-...

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Main Authors: Amjad Ali, Shah Khusro, Shabbab Ali Algamdi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-05-01
Series:Scientific Reports
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-01473-6
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author Amjad Ali
Shah Khusro
Shabbab Ali Algamdi
author_facet Amjad Ali
Shah Khusro
Shabbab Ali Algamdi
author_sort Amjad Ali
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Despite the advancements in digital learning, students with visual disabilities face significant challenges in mathematics, particularly in solving arithmetic problems like missing digit identification in addition and subtraction. The insufficient availability of accessible tools with real-time feedback mechanisms, error correction features, and interactive learning methods leads to these challenges. This study proposes a novel solution to address these challenges by developing an algorithm designed to assist students with visual disabilities solve missing digit arithmetic problems. The algorithm systematically identifies missing digits and provides step-by-step audio instructions, ensuring adherence to mathematical principles and pedagogical standards. Real-time validation and adaptive computations for carry and borrow operations enhance learning. Implemented in Python, the solution was empirically tested with 40 participants, including students and instructors, with visual disabilities. The results from both qualitative and quantitative analyses indicate substantial improvements in learning outcomes, suggesting that this solution can effectively support inclusive mathematics education and be adapted to other assistive learning contexts.
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spelling doaj-art-adaaa0859c0a4e41974ddb602800a9352025-08-20T03:48:15ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-05-0115111310.1038/s41598-025-01473-6Accessible interactive learning of missing-digit arithmetic problems for students with visual disabilitiesAmjad Ali0Shah Khusro1Shabbab Ali Algamdi2Department of Computer Science, University of PeshawarDepartment of Computer Science, University of PeshawarDepartment of Software Engineering, College of Computer Science and Engineering, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz UniversityAbstract Despite the advancements in digital learning, students with visual disabilities face significant challenges in mathematics, particularly in solving arithmetic problems like missing digit identification in addition and subtraction. The insufficient availability of accessible tools with real-time feedback mechanisms, error correction features, and interactive learning methods leads to these challenges. This study proposes a novel solution to address these challenges by developing an algorithm designed to assist students with visual disabilities solve missing digit arithmetic problems. The algorithm systematically identifies missing digits and provides step-by-step audio instructions, ensuring adherence to mathematical principles and pedagogical standards. Real-time validation and adaptive computations for carry and borrow operations enhance learning. Implemented in Python, the solution was empirically tested with 40 participants, including students and instructors, with visual disabilities. The results from both qualitative and quantitative analyses indicate substantial improvements in learning outcomes, suggesting that this solution can effectively support inclusive mathematics education and be adapted to other assistive learning contexts.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-01473-6Accessible mathematics educationAdoptive learning toolEducational technologyMissing-digit arithmetic problemsStudents with visual disabilities
spellingShingle Amjad Ali
Shah Khusro
Shabbab Ali Algamdi
Accessible interactive learning of missing-digit arithmetic problems for students with visual disabilities
Scientific Reports
Accessible mathematics education
Adoptive learning tool
Educational technology
Missing-digit arithmetic problems
Students with visual disabilities
title Accessible interactive learning of missing-digit arithmetic problems for students with visual disabilities
title_full Accessible interactive learning of missing-digit arithmetic problems for students with visual disabilities
title_fullStr Accessible interactive learning of missing-digit arithmetic problems for students with visual disabilities
title_full_unstemmed Accessible interactive learning of missing-digit arithmetic problems for students with visual disabilities
title_short Accessible interactive learning of missing-digit arithmetic problems for students with visual disabilities
title_sort accessible interactive learning of missing digit arithmetic problems for students with visual disabilities
topic Accessible mathematics education
Adoptive learning tool
Educational technology
Missing-digit arithmetic problems
Students with visual disabilities
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-01473-6
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