About the project

Increasing success in the European business environment requires competent literacy skills in more than one language. However, using traditional teaching methods excludes many individuals, especially the dyslexic pupil. Dyslexics have trouble with reading and writing in their first language and are often excluded from lessons in the second language due to assumptions about their learning ability in this new field. They do not respond well to "traditional" self-learning including e-learning environments. However, little work has been carried out with respect to integrated e-learning environments which can use their strengths better, so that they can develop in a manner similar to their peers.

By allowing them to utilise their spoken language skills and using high interest interface(s) that supports their difficulties, it is suggested they are be able to overcome many of the difficulties found when trying to learn a language using other methods. Offering learning through diverse multimedia would allow individuals to choose their learning preference, which is more important for the dyslexic learner.

Objectives

The European Dyslexia Association estimates that 10% of the population(30 million individual in Europe) have a specific learning difficulty(dyslexia) which makes access to the printed word difficult. This is true not only for paper based resources, but also for electronic formats.

This project created a blended learning environment where the dyslexic pupil, normally excluded from language learning, can thrive through integrated e-learning linked to computer moderated peer interaction, with human supervision. This will include the extensive use of multimedia in an adaptive personalised interface designed to accommodate personal learning preferences.

Novel integration includes not only smart phones using camera and 3G connection, but also mobile devises such as PDAs and games machines (e.g. Sony PSP). This allows the teaching to leave the normal learning environment that has failed the dyslexic population and will lead to an integrated environment that is pedagogically sound as well as highly motivating.