Impact of the Arduino-based Talking Device on the Blindness and Visual Impairment Secondary School Students’ Academic Achievement in Chemistry: A Case of Two Schools in Rwanda

Abstract

This study developed a talking Arduino-based device tailored to enhance the teaching and learning of chemical titration reactions and ion identification. The device was designed to sense colors, measure pH and determine the volume of solutions. The study employed the experimental design, using a chemistry achievement test as quantitative data. Sixteen BVI students and their two chemistry teachers from two secondary schools were purposively selected to participate in the study. A three-in-one Arduino-based device, capable of detecting colors, measuring volume and pH was developed. The study revealed that the cost-effective talking Arduino device significantly enhanced students' performance in chemistry, particularly in acid-base titration and ion identification. Notably, the learners improved their performance in the post-test and there was a significant difference in the mean scores between the pre- and post-tests, following the intervention using the device (p < 0.05). Both teachers and BVI students confirmed that the device motivated the students to engage in chemistry using other sensory modalities (tactile and auditory) to perform hands-on lab activities. The study recommends that educational authorities equip the chemistry school laboratories with adaptive devices to facilitate effective chemistry teaching and learning with the BVI learners.