Observing the computational concept of abstraction in blind and low vision learners using the Bee-bot and Blue-bot.

Background And Context: In order to fully include learners with visual impairments in early programming education, it is necessary to gain insight into specificities regarding their experience of and approach to abstract computational concepts.

Objective: In this study, we use the model of the layers of abstraction to explore how learners with visual impairments approach the computational concept of abstraction, working with the Bee-bot and Blue-bot.

Method: Six blind and three low vision learners from the elementary school level were observed while completing programming assignments.

Does perisaccadic compression require foveal vision?

People make systematic errors when localizing a stimulus that is presented briefly near the time of a saccade. These errors have been interpreted as compression towards the position that is fixated after the saccade. Normally, fixating a position means that its image falls on the fovea.

The relation between gaze behavior and categorization: does where we look determine what we see?

When categorizing an object, we fixate our eyes on informative parts of that object. In the current study, morphed figures were used to investigate whether the interpretation of such unclear objects is reflected in the eye movement pattern. The morphed figures were created by interpolating two concrete objects.

The activation of alternative response candidates: when do doubts kick in?

In the current study, we investigated at which moment during visual object categorization alternative interpretations are most strongly activated. According to an early activation account, we are uncertain about how to interpret the visual information early in the categorization process. This uncertainty will vanish over time and therefore, the number of possible response candidates decreases over time.