Adapting a Web-Based Intelligent Tutoring System for American Sign Language

• In Event: Roundtable Session 19
  In Roundtable Session: Advances in Technology-Facilitated Language Learning

Abstract

The web-based Intelligent Tutoring System for the Structure Strategy (ITSS) has shown strong and positive results in improving content area reading comprehension in grades 4 through 8. To serve the needs of hearing impaired children our team has begun investigating an American Sign Language ITSS tutor. Preliminary prototypes were created using multi-media design principles. Usability test results show that placement of the captioning distracts the reader's attention to the text. Additionally, the closed captioning is viewed by the hearing impaired readers are the only focus limiting the potential power of the interactions built into the intelligent tutoring environment. Important design features will be presented at the conference including data from eye-movement tracking studies.

Authors

• Kausalai K. Wijekumar, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Bonnie J. F. Meyer, The Pennsylvania State University