Teaching Basic Cryptography Concepts Using Braille and Large Print Manipulatives

The scope of this article is to describe the creation and implementation of specialized adaptations used in teaching the subject of basic cryptography to students who are visually impaired or blind. Included is an overview of events held for visually impaired and blind transition age youth in Alabama and the methods used to engage this population in the subject of computer science. Teaching strategies utilized for this unique demographic of students are discussed as they relate to the sample cryptography lessons used during the transition day events. The construction of three forms of adapted ciphers are described in addition to general information about modifications. Limitations encountered with specific designs, such as braille tracking issues, are also conveyed. The manipulative designs suggested in this article fulfilled a specific need and allowed participants with varying degrees of visual impairments to complete the process of encryption and decryption. Further evidence to suggest proven effectiveness of the manipulatives is needed as the initial designs are intentionally low cost and rudimentary in nature