In-class utility of a mobile phone to deliver context specific audio information to students including those with visual impairment

In laboratory practical classes, the majority of the information a student is required to assimilate is most often communicated via visual media (e.g. written instructions, notes). This presents significant barriers to participation by students with visual impairment. In an attempt to overcome this problem, a system was developed utilising a mobile phone as a media platform linked to audio information accessed by means of 2D barcodes, a wireless access point and a portable media server. Not only is the approach described in this paper an enabling technology, it also has the potential to widen the scope for student-centered, enquiry-based learning in a wide range of learning environments.