Effects of a virtual sign animated pedagogical agent on ICT learning

Abstract

This study explored the use of a Virtual Sign Animated Pedagogical Agent (VSAPA) designed to assist Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) college students' learning with a multimedia on Information and Computer Technology (ICT). VSAPA is a software tool (avatar) designed to be the substitute for the sign language interpreter. Participants in this study were forty DHH college students randomly divided into four groups: one control group and three experimental groups. The first experimental group received ICT learning via the VSAPA learning environment. The second group was exposed to the same ICT content via a Hearing Teacher via Sign Language Interpreter (HTSLI). The third group studied by themselves using Text-Assisted (TA) instruction. The control group received none of the above treatment. Before the intervention, all groups were given the pre-test on principles of computer and communication fundamental software and hardware. One week later all groups received the post-test. The students in the three experimental groups were randomly selected for semi-structured interview. All the teaching-learning processes were videotape-recorded and analyzed for students' response to the treatments. The results showed that students exposed to the VSAPA learning environment had more percentage gain in the post-test when compared those in the HTSLI and TA groups. The DHH students also had high positive attitudes toward the VSAPA learning environment. This study suggests that incorporating a virtual sign animated pedagogical agent into a multimedia learning environment can enhance DHH students' learning. © Common Ground, Benjaporn Saksiri, Pintip Ruenwongsa.