Braille Concept On GCompris

I would like to share a link for a detailed explanation of my project proposal with mockups here : http://www.slideshare.net/srish22/gcompris-proposal-7561528

What is the ultimate goal of your proposal ?

Braille has been the mode of knowledge consumption for the visually impaired for quite a while. Although to most of us it remains a mystery. The primary reason for this is the fact that very few applications that could teach braille to normal sighted people is very less. The purpose of this application is to develop educational application for children on braille concept with usable interface.During GSOC,my tasks would be to develop an engaging user-experience by extending GCompris to kids between the age group(2-10) letting them to explore a variety of interactive activities theming braille.

What components/modules will it touch/change or create?

The proposal for GCompris intends to focus on providing information, activities & game conceptualizing braille pertaining to kids under the age group of (2 to 10) .To help them unlock the braille code which is usually in form of embossed raised dots ( forming a grid of six dot positions, arranged in a rectangle containing two columns of three dots each). It will embrace the following activities.Browse here

GCompris Braille Activities

Introduction to Louis Braille : -Story narration of Louis Braille life in a lively style.It will include introduction to his biography,discovery of braille,tactile technology & books used by blind kids.see :- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO3S9lwJDgg

Learning the braille code : - Kids will be taught the braille code in an interactive manner. It will be further classified into 3 activities : alphabet,numeral & symbols. For each letter there will be a separate lesson with explanation for the corresponding braille code.See:- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqQ3gdE7ks0

Deciphering : - To identify, read & interpret the braille code.It will be categorized further as:-

• Dicey-Dicey : - A pair of dice with braille code embedded on them.Kids need to identify the code & also perform mathematical calculation according to the sign +,-,/,*& write the result in the missing blank below the question marked dice.
• Rhymes & Riddles : - A set of riddles will be put up for answering, braille code will be given as a clue. Read a riddle and decode the braille code. Also some rhymes with missing blanks in similar way be given.

Braille 'O Art : Time to testify the creative skills of kids

• Color the dots : - A coloring tool box will be provided on the screen. Kids need to pick a color specified & fill in the braille dots to come up with a letter.
• Speaking Doll : -Play with the braille buttons on doll tummy to discover the code. It will contain 3 max levels.Number of dolls in each game = Game level number

Braille 'O Fun : - Fun activities with braille code.

• Recognize Objects : - To identify objects with braille code given as a clue.
• Braille Lotto : - This activity will be implemented in networking mode. There could be multiple users. An algorithm will figure out the master for the game. The master mode will have the control over lotto board & users will be having the duplicate tickets with them,both braille coded & numeric one. Flow of numbers will take place over the local network. User has to cross the numbers on both the tickets.

What benefits does it have for GNOME and its community?

This project will enable the sighted elementary kids to discover the braille world & share literacy who otherwise are fascinated by braille as a kind of “secret code”.They will began to understand its significance for people who are visually impaired in a play-way manner.GCompris an application of GNOME most popular among kids & used in schools for education purpose, with braille integration will unlock the door of braille codes &  would promote braille literacy.

Why you'd like to complete this particular project?

I chose this project since its rooted from FOSS and highlights the GNUosphere concept,bring linux to kids. In past I’ve been associated with similar projects like SchoolOS , which avails free & open source educational tools to students.

How do you plan to achieve completion of your project?

Timeline | Roadmap of my proposal

April 25 - May 23 ( Community Bonding Period)

 It would include further discussing the activity ideas with the mentor.Final list of activities to be implemented under GCompris Braille.Read & study documentation on PyGoocanvas ,PyGTK ,Python GCompris API .Setting up the development environment.Study the overview of game sequence & interaction between GCompris core & activity plugin.I would love to code in python using eclipse helios. Getting familiar with writing a GCompris activity using the code snippets of python test & python template activities. Assembling skins ,sounds ,content ;designing icons & logos using GIMP & openclipart for the activities.

May 24- July11( Interim Period ) Start Coding!Designing the UI for the activities : Intro to Louis Braille, learning braille code & deciphering. Building up algorithms for these two activities.Code integration of activity plugin with the UI.Task completion in regard with one activity per week.Document  the work                         

Mid Term Evaluation

Submit three complete activities Intro to Louis Braille,learning braille code & deciphering along with documentation.

July 12- August 15(Interim period)

Designing UI for Art Braille & fun Braille.Code integration of both activities with the UI.Document the work.Debug ,reduce code complexity.

August15-August23 (Pencils down)
Testing ,documentation & debugging.Final Release.

What will showable at mid-term [1]?

I'll submit three complete activities Intro to Louis Braille,learning braille code & deciphering along with documentation.

Why do you think you are be the best person to work on this project?

I am a final year student pursuing bachelor of engineering & technology in Computer Science at Engineering College Bikaner ,Rajasthan Technical University ,India. I am a FOSS enthusiast & familiar with FOSS from more than 2 years now. In past I’ve been associated with SchoolOS project, which avails free & open source educational tools to students. I worked on a mini project 1WPS (One wikipedia per school) to create ubuntu based wikipedia dump using distribution remixing.I have working knowledge of python,c++,zend framework & java. I have worked on coding projects like sms-gateway,music-store application,test conducting system & usb device detection.I am already well versed with community interactions/dynamics of OSS projects, I use irc, mailing lists, version control systems, such as git & host all my projects at github hence I can start early with coding. I take Summer of Code as an opportunity to get engaged with Gnome Community as a contributor and continue this association even after Gsoc.

What are your past experiences (if any) with the open source world?

I am a member of Linux User group Bikaner lugb.Contributed in organizing FOSS event http://rajasfoss.lugb at our college campus & delivered couple of talks.I blog at  http://srishtisethi.blogspot.com/ All my source code repositories are hosted online  :https://github.com/srish/1WPS

Why are you interested in improving GNOME?

I have been using GNOME since more than 2 years from now when I switched over to linux & became familiar with FOSS.Some of the Gnome applications that I use every now & then are gedit, dia, cheese, gimp & GCompris.GNOME gives me a feel of having everything at my fingertips & yes I have become a friend of GNOME.

Please attach a link to a bug (bugzilla.gnome.org or other Free Software tracker) containing a patch you've written.

I have submitted two patches so far (#646961[1],#185360[2]) including a bug report and will be submitting more.Also I have translated a GCompris module in my mother tongue "HIndi[3]"

I would love to be contacted if any part of this proposal is not clear to you. Thank you for considering this proposal and for your time!