Kerala State Institute of Educational Technology (S.I.E.T.) recently launched audio C.D.s of class 10th syllabus in a condensed format for visually impaired students.

Titled `S.S.L.C. Topper', the C.D.s are dubbed in English and Malayalam and will be given free to all visually impaired students. They’re of 28-hour and 20-hour duration respectively.

The C.D.s were devised as an alternative learning methodology, as it was found that a majority of the visually impaired students lacked the speed and skill to decipher Braille literature.

A big challenge in reproducing the C.D.s in audio format was conveying visual images to the students effectively. Imageries that the students relate to through their sense of touch were used. For instance, the shape of the full moon was likened to that of a one-rupee coin.

Rahulraj, a class X student said about the C.D., "It is very helpful in that it explains all the chapters in detail. It also helps in comprehending the subject better."