I-Corps: Translation potential of using artificial intelligence (AI) for an interactive and inclusive language-learning process designed for young children

这个I-Corps项目的更广泛影响是为来自不同种族背景的幼儿开发语言学习技术。 目前，世界越来越多样化，儿童学习多种语言的需求也越来越大。这项技术可以让孩子们学习如何用母语说话，也可以学习如何说英语，西班牙语，法语以及其他语言。 该技术使用家庭成员的录音，然后编辑并制作成有趣和互动的语言学习体验。 使用家庭成员的声音还可以为儿童提供更个人化和更吸引人的体验，使他们感到与自己的文化更有联系。此外，孩子们可以自己编故事，让他们对自己的语言学习感到自豪和拥有。这项技术可能会使在大学和研究所进行种族相关研究的自然语言处理科学家和研究人员，希望使用包容性辅助技术进行语音的种族背景儿童的父母，使用edtech帮助学生进行语言学习过程的学区和教师受益，和言语语言病理学家和他们的做法，希望纳入使用语言学习产品从一个文化反应的教学框架。这我-Corps项目利用体验式学习以及对行业生态系统的第一手调查来评估拟议技术的翻译潜力。该技术基于多样，公平和包容的自然语言处理（NLP）的先前开发，旨在帮助年轻的多样化学习者应对语音挑战。在语言学习过程中，自然语言处理作为嵌入语言学习产品的辅助技术对儿童越来越重要。 自然语言处理用于解释和理解口语，而语音识别软件用于识别口语单词并将其转换为文本。 此外，用户界面和数据存储将用于存储录音并回放，以将儿童自己的声音与家庭成员的录音进行比较。该技术满足了儿童的教育需求，同时也符合在这一新兴领域促进包容性和多样性的更广泛的社会目标。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The broader impact of this I-Corps project is the development of a language learning technology tailored for young children from various ethnic backgrounds. Currently, the world is increasingly becoming more diverse and the need for children to learn multiple languages is growing. The technology may allow children to learn how to speak in their native language and also learn how to speak English, Spanish, French, as well as other languages. The technology uses audio recordings of family members, which are then edited and crafted into fun and interactive language-learning experiences for kids. The use of family members’ voices may also provide a more personal and engaging experience for children, allowing them to feel more connected to their culture. In addition, children can make their own stories, giving them a sense of pride and ownership of their language learning. The technology may benefit natural language processing scientists and researchers who conduct race related research in universities and institutes, parents of children with ethnic backgrounds looking to use inclusive assisted technologies for speech, school districts and teachers who use edtech to assist students with the language learning process, and speech language pathologists and their practices looking to incorporate the use of language learning products from a culturally-responsive pedagogical framework.This I-Corps project utilizes experiential learning coupled with a first-hand investigation of the industry ecosystem to assess the translation potential of the proposed technology. The technology is based on the prior development of diverse, equitable, and inclusive natural language processing (NLP) for the purpose of assisting young diverse learners with speech challenges. The use of natural language processing as assistive technology embedded in language learning products is becoming increasingly important for children during their language learning process. Natural language processing is used to interpret and understand spoken language, while speech recognition software is used to recognize the spoken words and convert them into text. In addition, a user interface and data storage will be used to store the recordings and play them back to compare the child’s own voice to the recorded voice of family members. The technology addresses the educational needs of children but also aligns with the broader societal goals of fostering inclusivity and diversity in this emerging field.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.