TIP-Toy: a tactile, open-source computational toolkit to support learning across visual abilities

Abstract

Many computational toolkits to promote early learning of basic computational concepts and practices are inaccessible to learners with reduced visual abilities. We report on the design of TIP-Toy, a tactile and inclusive open-source toolkit, to allow children with different visual abilities to learn about computational topics through music by combining a series of physical blocks. TIP-Toy was developed through two design consultations with experts and potential users. The first round of consultations was conducted with 3 visually impaired adults with significant programming experience; the second one involved 9 children with mixed visual abilities. Through these design consultations we collected feedback on TIP-Toy, and observed children's interactions with the toolkit. We discuss appropriate features for future iterations of TIP-toy to maximise the opportunities for accessible and enjoyable learning experiences.