Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Faculty
Faculty of Computing, Health and Science
School
School of Computer and Information Science
RAS ID
2742
Abstract
Not all recipients of eLearning map well for measurement by such as the Kirkpatrick model, especially young students with severe learning disabilities. StoryBook is a tool specifically designed to aid teachers to create and include a simple, enjoyable, tailored interactive computer-based audio/visual learning environment as part of a custom curriculum for such students. In it, stories are currently gathered into libraries suitable for unique individuals or more common content, on a local, classroom basis. We describe prototype software for eLearning for such students, already trialled in a special educational unit in Perth, Western Australia. We then outline plans for a second version that takes advantage of facilities of broadband to bring that software into home and school environments alike and which offers extended library management facilities. The current environment offers a framework wherein teachers may craft a story using image and sound files that students may navigate by means of a touch screen. Emphasis has been placed upon simplicity for both author and reader. Initial testing of the product yielded a "wish-list" from teachers to be incorporated, together with technological advancements, into the second version. The proposed environment offers "enwebment" of the existing product, the capture of statistics for later analysis, increased librarian facilities to permit greater access to stories by individuals and public alike so that stories may be accumulated and shared where appropriate. The advent of broadband permits access to a web-server for files, viewed and played via standard browser software such that a student's progress may be continued between home and school, or even when travelling. It is anticipated that the second phase will commence testing in early 2006 and a local further education (TAFE) college has expressed interest in using the tool for language education.
Comments
Collins, M., & Singh, S. (2005). StoryBook: Extending a personalised interactive learning environment to children with severe learning disabilities. In Information, libraries and elearning : Proceedings of the Inaugural Transforming Information & Learning Conference.