SBIR Phase I: Mathematics Multimedia for Children with Hearing Loss

9861236听力损失妨碍了数字概念的学习、定量推理、解决问题和享受数学。这项由Learning in Motion， Inc.开展的小企业创新研究第一阶段项目是一项可行性研究，重点是将现有的多媒体改造成听力严重受损的pre - k - k儿童的教学工具。这种需求是至关重要的：在美国，每1000名幼儿中就有2名听力损失严重到足以对学习产生不利影响。《全国聋人数学教育改革行动计划》（1995年）建议为听力损失严重的儿童提供更多的数学教学资源。Learning in Motion为早期数学学习者发布了一个基于研究、经过实地测试的多媒体程序。多媒体包括三维图形和人物，完整的游戏逻辑，以及11个互动游戏活动。这个项目的主要目标是：记录听障学生使用现有项目的经历；根据这些信息，选择一个游戏活动并对其进行修改，以适应听力损失严重的儿童的特殊需求，并针对修改后的部分启动测试计划。如果可行性表明继续修改，最终将为这些学生制作可销售的多媒体和设计指南。拟议的活动将有助于扩大代表性不足的群体对数学活动和学习的参与。虽然建议的重点是使听力损失的学生受益，但也可以作为支持其他类型残疾学生的模式。该项目有可能为有严重听力损失的儿童制作一个完全改进的数学多媒体程序。还将为其他选择开发专门软件的人设计指导方针，从而为希望创建或转换其他多媒体标题的出版商建立和鼓励商业合作奠定基础。

9861236 Hearing loss obstructs the learning of numerical concepts, quantitative reasoning, problem solving and the enjoyment of mathematics. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project from Learning in Motion, Inc. is a feasibility study focusing on modifying existing multimedia into instructional tools for PreK-K children with significant hearing loss. The need is critical: Two out of every 1,000 young children in the United States have hearing loss severe enough to adversely affect learning. The National Action Plan for Mathematics Education Reform for the Deaf (1995) recommends that more resources address mathematics instruction for children with significant hearing loss. Learning in Motion has published a research-based, field-tested, multi-media program for early learners of mathematics. The multi-media includes three-dimensional graphics and characters, completed game logic, and eleven interactive game activities. The main objectives of this project are as follows: document the experiences of hearing-impaired students as they use the existing program; from this information, take one game activity and modify it to accommodate the special needs of children with significant hearing loss, and initiate a testing plan for the modified segment. Should feasibility indicate continued modification, salable multimedia for these students and design guidelines will ultimately be produced. The proposed activity will serve to broaden the participation of underrepresented groups in mathematics activities and learning. What is proposed although focused on benefiting students with hearing loss may also serve as a model to support students with other types of disabilities. The project has the potential to produce a completely modified mathematics multimedia program for children with significant hearing loss. Design of guidelines for others electing to develop specialized software would also be produced, thus setting the stage for and encouraging commercial collaboration with publishers looking to create or convert other multimedia titles.