The Effectiveness of Computer-based Instruction (CBI) Speech Recognition System & Speech Synthesizer

Tentative topics

Definitions

Speech Recognition System

Key Benefits

Key Benefits

Key Benefits

How to use it?

How to use it?

Demo

Speech Synthesizer-Kurzweil 3000

Key Benefits for LD students

DEMO: Reading

DEMO: Using reference & study tools

Evidence-based research on CBI The use of talking word processors with a word prediction function (which are the features available with Kurzweil 3000) may help students achieve scholastically comparable to non-disabled peers in proofreading their written work Raskind and Higgins (1995) reported that the use of a CBI to proofread written work was more helpful than having the text read aloud by another person and CBI users improved more in making corrections in capitalization, spelling, usage and typographical errors

Evidence-based research on CBI Kurzweil 3000 - Elkind, et al (2002) reported that regular use of Kurzweil 3000 by students with ADD allowed students to better attend to their reading, read with less effort and increased reading speed - Elkind (1998) reported that use of Kurzweil 3000 by students with LD resulted in improved reading rate, comprehension, and increased the amount of time they attended to reading tasks.

Evidence-based research on CBI There are less studies done in respect to the effects of CBI on users’ psychological factors Most of the studies focus on users’ motivation toward using CBI to learn or read Lewis (1998): Positive effects on student motivation and attitudes is supported by research Motali and Lewanowski reported the use of speech synthesis software may increase students’ motivation to read by presenting a more successful experience Yang’s study (1992) indicated that when compared the effects of CBI and print-based instruction (PBI) on students’ learning motivation among eleventh graders, CBI is superior to PBI. Moreover, students with special needs seemed to have positive attitude towards CBI The literature mentioned above suggested that the computer is a motivational device for students. Therefore, to determine whether Kurzweil 3000 has a similar effect on elementary school students is important, since there was no study on this software to explore these psychological factors to inform the teachers or school districts if this program is worth purchasing. The teachers’ perception toward this specific software was investigated in this study, since teachers’ attitude toward technology is an important factor for students’ learning and usage of in-class technology (Grasha & Yangarber-Hick, 2000; MacArthur & Malouf, 1991). Research demonstrated that teachers’ own feelings of competence and perception of students’ preferences toward technology use seriously influence the students’ usage of in-class technology (Grasha & Yangarber-Hick, 2000). .

Mechanisms for change Studies have shown that when information is presented through visual and auditory channels simultaneously (similar to Kurzweil 3000), the speed of processing and memory recall are enhanced; thus, reading comprehension is fostered (Montali & Lewandowski, 1996). A bimodal technique hypothesizes that CBI will increase exposure to words via sight and sound, thereby increasing exposure to correct visual-to-auditory matches, hence strengthening sound-symbol associations. At the same time, the two sensory channels may act as backups for each other by filling in the gaps missed by one sensory input (either auditory or visual). Thus, complete information can be obtained through this bimodal encoding process .Montali and Lewandowski’s study (1996) demonstrated the efficacy of a bimodal approach to fostering reading comprehension. Results indicated that less skilled readers comprehended more with bimodal (visual and auditory) versus unimodal (on screen, highlighted, while being voiced) presentations. In Williams, Massaro, and Peel’s study (2004), they suggested children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) may benefit from bimodal approaches in language training.

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Limitations and strengths of Kurzweil 3000 Individuality (Adjustable reading speed & voice)Highlighting while it is readHeadset blocks out distractionsInstant access to definitionsAudio-visual of text