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Lorem Ipsum Dolor Spring 2016
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The results of the surveys emphasized a need to better understand the specific instruction
and strategies that will help students with VI benefit from graphics. Figure 1 illustrates the
contributing factors, based on survey responses, that seem to influence a student's ability to use
graphics effectively: content knowledge, concepts and experiences, strategies (technical skills
and thinking skills), the quality of the graphic, and confidence and motivation.
Figure 1: contributing factors to graphic interpretation and effective use.
The survey findings were the catalyst for a think aloud study (currently on-going) aimed at
more specifically investigating the characteristics and strategies of students with VI who use
graphics effectively. The preliminary results of this study were shared during a presentation at
the 2014 Council for Exceptional Children Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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