Advancements in educational technology and the availability of numerous educational software products have significantly enhanced learning for students who are spoken language users; however, equivalent resources for Deaf learners, particularly in signed language acquisition (i.e. American Sign Language (ASL)), remain limited. We embarked on a collaborative design process involving Deaf children (ages 6-13), educators of Deaf children, research scientists, and interactive media developers to develop a suite of interactive dual language (ASL-English) educational applications. Our goal was to create engaging learning tools that foster signed language phonological awareness to enhance both sign (ASL) and written (English) vocabulary acquisition. Each app incorporates two gameplay modes: Picture-mode, which strengthens sign phonology-semantic connections (i.e., sign-vocabulary learning), and Text-mode, which bolsters sign phonology-orthography connections (i.e., print-vocabulary learning).
Iterative testing and refinement based on feedback from our target users and stakeholders was implemented, ensuring the apps are user-friendly and pedagogically effective. Compelling evidence of how signed language phonological skills supports Deaf children’s language and literacy development is increasing (e.g., McQuarrie & Enns, in press; McQuarrie & Abbott, 2013; Holmer et al., 2016), helping to reinforce the benefit and efficacy of these tools in supporting dual language learning.
This presentation will highlight the design methodologies and implementation strategies of our ASL educational apps. Future plans include the adaptation of these apps to other world signed languages. Our initiative underscores the importance of inclusive and accessible educational technologies, aiming to bridge the gap in resources available for Deaf learners and contribute to their academic success.

Authors:
Stephanie Yong, University of Alberta, Canada
Lynn McQuarrie, University of Alberta, Canada
Eric Lam, University of Alberta, Canada

About the Presenter(s)
Stephanie Yong is currently working as an interactive media developer at the Department of Educational Psychology - University of Alberta, creating innovative tools such as mobile applications to enhance ASL-English language acquisition.

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