Emerging Technology For Teaching And Learning Sign Language
Author: Samantha Goldman
In an earlier CIDDL Research and Practice Brief, we interviewed Dr. Lorna Quandt, who is an Assistant Professor in the Ph.D. in Educational Neuroscience (PEN) program at Gallaudet University, a flagship institution for deaf education.
In this brief, Dr. Quandt discussed how augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) could help create new ways of teaching and learning sign languages. Providing sign language interpretation services for deaf and hard of hearing students is mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Effective use of emerging technologies will make learning more accessible to students who are deaf and hard of hearing. Dr. Quandt talked about a research project led by her that was building a system for adults to learn introductory American Sign Language (ASL). One emerging challenge in her work was the divide between research and usage. Dr. Lorna hoped that in the next few years, her team would be able to bring the technologies such as AR and VR to individuals who are interested in learning ASL.
Dr. Quandt shared her opinions about opportunities and challenges of utilizing emerging technologies in educational programs that prepare professionals who serve students who are deaf and hard of hearing. She recommended resources including THE ASL APP, which has thousands of mini ASL lessons. It’s a technological tool that is already developed and ready to use! Another resource is the CREST (Cultivating Research and Equity in Sign Related Technology) Network, which is open to anyone who is interested in the overlap between technology and sign language.
Check out this page to review this Brief or click here to download a PDF copy of the Brief. More CIDDL Research and Practice Briefs can be found on this CIDDL webpage. Please visit our website for more resources and sign up for the updates from CIDDL.