neowin.net
Microsoft's Project Torino: a 'physical programming language' for
visually impaired children
Vlad Dudau
Visually impaired people can have a hard time navigating the
technological world, thanks to a lack of accessibility tools. That holds
especially true for the world of computer programming, despite the
growing number of visually impaired people actively contributing to this
field. That’s why Microsoft has now created Project Torino, a “physical
programming language” aimed at visually impaired children looking to
learn to code.
Project Torino revolves around using physical objects that connect to
each other to teach children basic programming concepts. Logic gates,
loops and functions can all be represented in a physical way, which
children with mild or severe visual impairments can easily grasp. By
using the system they can create songs, games and small programs.
Project Torino has been developed in the UK by educators, computer
engineers and the children themselves. It’s been in testing for the past
year with a small number of users, but it’s now progressing to its beta
phase and being opened up to at least a hundred visually impaired
pupils. However, the aim of Project Torino is much grander, as Cecily
Morrison who works on the project explained:
One of our key design principles was inclusion. We didn’t want to
isolate these kids again. The idea was to create something that a whole
mainstream class could use, and they could use together. It’s clear that
there’s a huge opportunity in professional computing jobs. This is a
great career for a lot of kids who might have difficulty accessing other
careers.
The project is aimed at 7 to 11-year olds, but the idea is to have all
children, not just visually impaired ones, use it. Project Torino is
also aimed at educators, who don’t need to have any coding knowledge
beforehand to use it. Microsoft also developed an app for children to
take what they learn in the physical world and continue their
development in a more formal coding environment with built-in
accessibility tools.
The beta trial will be recruiting volunteers this month in the UK, but
the eventual aim of the project is to be made available everywhere in
the world.
Source: Microsoft
--
David Goldfield,
Assistive Technology Specialist
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