posted on 2007-10-01, 00:00authored byLing Xu, Vinithra Varadharajan, Joyce Maravich, Rahul Tongia, Jack Mostow
This paper presents the development of DeSIGN, an educational
software application for those deaf students who are taught to communicate
using American Sign Language (ASL). The software reinforces
English vocabulary and ASL signs by providing two essential
components of a tutor, lessons and tests. The current version
was designed for 5th and 6th graders, whose literacy skills
lag by a grade or more on average. In addition, a game that allows
the students to be creative has been integrated into the tests.
Another feature of DeSIGN is its ability to intelligently adapt its
tests to the changing knowledge of the student as determined by a
knowledge tracing algorithm. A separate interface for the teacher
enables additions and modifications to the content of the tutor and
provides progress monitoring. These dynamic aspects help motivate
the students to use the software repeatedly. This software
prototype aims at a feasible and sustainable approach to increase
the participation of deaf people in society. DeSIGN has undergone
an iteration of testing and is currently in use at a school for the
deaf in Pittsburgh.