Brule, Emeline, Bailly, Gilles, Brock, Anke, Gentès, Annie and Jouffrais, Christophe (2018) An exploratory study of the uses of a multisensory map— with visually impaired children. Multimodal Technologies and Interaction, 2 (3). 36 1-20. ISSN 2414-4088

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Abstract

This paper reports an empirical study of a multisensory map used by visually impaired primary school pupils, to study human habitats and differences between urban, suburban and rural areas using a local example. Using multimodal analysis, we propose to examine how the use of smell and taste shape pupils’ engagement and the development of a non-visual knowledge of geography. Our research questions include: How do pupils try to make sense of this unusual material, in conjunction with the tactile, audio and tangible material used in this lesson? How does the special education teacher support the development of these interpretations? Multisensory material
has the potential to support experiential and embodied learning: were these promises achieved? Our findings show how this multisensory map reconfigures spatial occupation and interaction dynamics, and that it has the potential to make the classroom more pervasive to pupils’ social, spatial and emotional lives. In doing so, it provides opportunities for the teacher to develop citizenship education. The paper provides concrete examples of uses of smell and taste in learning activities to
support engagement, and has implications for pedagogical design beyond special education.

Item Type:	Article
Schools and Departments:	School of Engineering and Informatics > Engineering and Design
Research Centres and Groups:	Creative Technology
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General) L Education > LC Special aspects of education > LC1390 Education of special classes of persons > LC3950 Exceptional children and youth. Special education > LC4704 Teaching disabled children and youth T Technology > T Technology (General)
Depositing User:	Emeline Brule
Date Deposited:	15 Feb 2019 14:44
Last Modified:	21 Mar 2019 16:21
URI:	http://srodev.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/78977

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