Conclusions from the pilot study:

Testing method: Using a Web based test is viable and has advantages:

• Easier to administer.
• Students enjoyed it and were comfortable with it.
• Phenomenal response (about 50% of students enrolled in the course took the test.)
• Relatively few hassles.

Auditory graphs used in this test were not as effective as visually displayed graphs, although they were better than simply guessing.

Why?

Suspect unfamiliarity with auditory graphs. While there was an explanation at the beginning of the test, and several examples, students were not forced to understand the graphs before proceeding.

Interpretation of the auditory representation could be leading to some confusion.

Future Research

Redesign the test so that there is an auditory graph tutorial prior to students taking the test.

Split test into basic mathematical function identification and physics interpretation sections.

Include a group of blind individuals to participate in the test.