1. How the Signing Math and Science Dictionaries Support Deaf/Hard of Hearing Learners Jason Hurdich, Team Leader, Sign Language Projects Vcom3D, Inc., Orlando, Florida, USA Judy Vesel, Principal Investigator TERC, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

2. Vcom3D Background Since incorporation in 1997, Vcom3D's goal has always been to deliver the most realistic and expressive virtual human technology to our wide spectrum of clients. Mobile solutions allows us to distribute media on an intuitive, portable and educational platform and provide directly to our clients. Vcom3D, Inc. is a leader in research and development related to the instruction of K-12 Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (Deaf/HH) students utilizing our SigningAvatar characters. TERC Background For more than forty years, TERC has introduced math and science learning to millions of students throughout the United States. Works at the frontiers of theory and practice to contribute to a deeper understanding of learning and teaching. Uses mobile solutions as another branch to expanding the educational materials and make them more accessible to students.

3. Mobile Solutions for Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing Students U.S. Department of Education and National Science Foundation funded research. Vcom3D and TERC showed evidence of the success in utilizing mobile devices (iPod Touch) to make sign language information accessible “on the go” for K-12 students. Content includes definitions, images, and explanations of idioms, scientific or mathematic terms, multi-sense and unfamiliar terms which Deaf/HH students often have trouble understanding. Vcom3D and TERC have tested Signing Science Pictionary and Signing Math Dictionary with students using the Apple ® iPod Touch, iPhone – as seen here.

4. Mobile Signing Science Dictionary/Pictionary and Signing Math Dictionary on iPod Touch Signing Science Dictionary Signing Science Pictionary Signing Math Dictionary

5. Mobile Signing Science Dictionary and Signing Math Dictionary on iPad (Proof of Concept) Signing Math Dictionary Signing Science Dictionary Signing Avatar signing a webpage

6. Major Findings (Formal Settings-Signing Science Dictionary/Signing Math Dictionary) Dictionaries bridge the language gap for Deaf/HH students in science and math subjects. Teachers view products as valuable resources that enriches instruction and promotes self- esteem. Allows science and math subjects to be more accessible which leads to promoting students’ interest in the subjects. Students view products as fun and easy to use tools for learning compare to literary dictionaries.

7. Mobile Signing Science Pictionary Results Results show that the SSP is indeed effective in increasing the ability of parents and their Deaf, HH, and hearing children to engage in informal science learning. As a result of its use at zoos, aquariums, farms, and nature centers, parents and children increased their signing vocabulary. Children demonstrated increased science content knowledge. Both parents and children thought that using the SSP enhanced their learning and overall experience. They described use of the Pictionary before, during, and after a visit as beneficial, educational, and fun.

8. Vocabulary Study Results The results for subgroups of participants show that: – –Deaf children increased their signing vocabulary by 23%, hearing children increased by 43%, and HH children by 54%. – –Deaf parents increased their signing vocabulary by 2%, while the mean increase for hearing parents was 30%.

9. Mobile Signing Science Pictionary Results

11. Content Comprehension Study Results The results show that: – –All participating children (Deaf, HH, and hearing siblings) were able to use the MSSP to learn facts about the animals that they were likely to see. – –Analysis of participant’s answers to the post-use activities show that they were able to use the Web-based SSP to review what they learned during their visit. – –They were able to learn more about the animals seen at each location with respect to one or more applicable standards-based science concepts.

12. Mobile Signing Math Dictionary Results

14. Students’ Reactions:   The iPod helped me to do homework independently without needing to depend on parents.   This iPod helped me to correlate what was taught in the classroom.   It helped to reinforce my learning when parents were busy.   The avatars are fun and cool!   This helped to foster my independent learning.   I would absolutely use this as a tool for learning.

15. Thank You Contact: – –Jason Hurdich, jasonh@vcom3d.comjasonh@vcom3d.com – –Judy Vesel, judy_vesel@terc.edu