Beth, First off, I graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics, and I'm about to wrap up my Master's Degree in Applied Math (Actuarial Science) this March, so if ever you need any help with your math class, you can write to me off-list at [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Second, it is not advisable to write your math homework and tests in a Braille document because the mixture of letters, numbers and symbols can easily be translated incorrectly, even within Keyword itself, and you have to check with speech ever so often to make sure it reads right, but still, you will encounter translation and formatting problems when you export or transfer the file. Thus, you must write using computer Braille in a Keyword text document. Then you can export that to a Rich Text Format or Microsoft Word file (which is really just RTF when you open it on your computer). Yes, you can write directly in a .rtf or .doc file in Keyword, but because the notorious large file issue is still not solved, and occurs most frequently with .rtf and .doc files, it would be better if you have a Keyword text document to store your work first before you convert it to a format accessible on the computer. You cannot type in Nemeth, however, but must use computer Braille. You would have to discuss this with your professor, since you must resort to using certain symbols or abbreviations to represent the actual mathematical operators. For instance, you would write sqrt for square root; the caret (SPACE with U then dots 4-5) to precede a number that should be treated as an exponent; pi for the Greek letter pi representing the constant we approximate as 3.1416; and use grouping symbols such as parentheses, brackets and braces to distinguish certain quantities like fractions (since you cannot write them in a column, numerator over denominator with the horizontal fraction bar in between as would be the case in print), so on and so forth. You can always add a legend of symbols and abbreviations you use at the start of the document for your professor's reference. I don't know if you are required to draw and graph in the geometry part of your lessons, as I had been required, but if that's the case, I suppose it's obvious you cannot do that on the BrailleNote. If you are allowed to describe instead, then you can use whatever indicators to distinguish the statements you write as part of the description, and not the solution. You can also ask my help in this regard if you have problems visualizing graphs, by the way. Yes, it still sounds kind of tedious, but not as complicated as the method you're currently using. I do not use my BrailleNote for math documents that I need to submit but that's because I want my work to appear on the printed page in the conventional format, and not be different from how fellow math majors (who are all sighted) write their own work. However, I use the BN for my notes and researches, and I'm satisfied with it for that purpose. Anyway, I'm not sure what other assistance you specifically need, but if there's anything else, e-mail me. You can also e-mail me your homework and tests if you want, and I'll answer them for you, LOL. I would prefer that you answer them first, of course, and I'll check them and explain your mistakes. HTH, Roselle >----- QUOTED MESSAGE ----- >Sent by: "Beth Hatch" <[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Hello everyone, >First, thank you to everyone who responded to my messages concerning Active >Sync and my modem issues both on and off list. I have an Imation FlashGo >2.0 flash card reader/writer, and now I can transfer files to and from my >BrailleNote and computer with no problems at all. I still haven't solved >the modem problem, but I have a more urgent need for your assistance.<smile > Currently, I am taking a college math course towards my degree in >computer network systems. It is a course using algebra, geometry, and >trigonometry. I am experiencing difficulties when I complete homework >assignments or tests on the BrailleNote and printing them in ink print for >my instructor. The course is only ten weeks long, so I have someone >transcribing work for me from the printed book into Braille because I don't >have the resources to get the entire book transcribed. At any rate, my >problem is how I can produce meaningful work for my instructor without >having to retype all my information from the BrailleNote by hand into >Microsoft Word. > I use Nemeth code to enter all of my numbers, and to try to make >sure the letters of variables print properly, I use the Braille letter sign >before each letter so as not to confuse the BrailleNote with any grade 2 >contractions. However, when I try to bring in the file into Duxbury as a >key braille document, of course it thinks it's "another word processor >file." I tried renaming the keyword file as a BRF file, and Duxbury >wouldn't import it, the file was listed in Duxbury itself, but no text came >through at all. > If I write in computer Braille, will I be able to write the math in >my BrailleNote and import it properly into Word or Duxbury? I am using >Duxbury version 10.4 and Keysoft version 5.0 on the BrailleNote. > I read that the BrailleNote uses Duxbury as its translator, if that >is the case, is there a way I can make this math stuff work properly for me >and my instructor to get printed copies? This inputting my tests into the >BrailleNote, and then having to type them in by hand is both unproductive >and time consuming!! > If you wish, you may respond off list at: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Thanks!!!! >Beth
