Authors: André Coy, Phaedra S. Mohammed, Paulson Skerrit
Background and MotivationThe authors tackle the significant educational challenges faced by Deaf learners, particularly in the Global South, where resources, technological infrastructure and use of assistive devices are often limited. In such scenarios, where Deaf students rely, almost exclusively, on sign language, they are often marginalised in traditional education systems, due to communication barriers with non-signing teachers. This paper explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can facilitate more inclusive educational environments by providing innovative solutions tailored to these unique needs.
The paper also presents the results of a focus group conducted with members of the Deaf community, where the proposed solution was discussed.
Key Themes and Findings
1. AI-Driven Solutions for Deaf Education: – Speech and Language Technologies: The paper discusses the use of AI tools like speech recognition and text-to-speech systems to translate spoken language into text and sign language, and vice versa. – Computer Vision and 3D Avatars: AI-powered computer vision systems and 3D signing avatars can be developed to recognise and translate sign language in real-time, enhancing communication between Deaf students and their teachers.
While there are existing systems that utilise the aforementioned tools, they are unidirectional. They either translate from sign to text/speech or they translate sign language to text/speech. The paper proposed a bi-directional, closed loop system that would allow for more seamless communication between teacher and Deaf student, leading to greater engagement and inclusion.
2. Challenges and Opportunities: – Cultural and Contextual Considerations: The authors emphasise the importance of culturally appropriate solutions. For example, AI avatars need to accurately represent the cultural context and nuances of the Deaf community in the Global South. – Resource Constraints: Limited access to technology and financial resources in the Global South pose a significant challenge. The paper advocates for solutions that are affordable and accessible.
3. Focus Group Insights:Five major themes emerged: Avatar Effectiveness and Realism; Language and Cultural Considerations; Resource and Cost Concerns; Real-time Translation Challenges and Community Involvement and Feedback.
– Avatar Effectiveness and Realism: Participants pointed to the need for the avatar to appear real-life and to be able to effectively represent complex content and linguistic nuances, tasks that would ordinarily be undertaken by Deaf Relay Interpreters.
– Language and Cultural Considerations: The study highlights the necessity for AI systems to support bilingual-bicultural education, allowing Deaf students to learn in both sign language and written/spoken language. Beyond that, the participants highlighted the need to consider the linguistic environment in which the system would be deployed – specifically, the need for the proposed system to support multiple spoken languages.
– Resource and Cost Concerns:The members of the Deaf community expressed concern that projects started, ostensibly to assist them, don’t always result in viable tools or interventions. They suggested that the money needed to develop the proposed system could potentially be used to train interpreters or teach hearing only teachers to sign.
-Real-time Translation ChallengesThe speed of the system was brought up as a potential barrier to communication for the Deaf. If the translation is not real-time, Deaf learners could be left behind.
– Community Involvement and Feedback: The importance of community involvement in developing these, and any other, tools for the community was discussed. Participants suggested that effective implementation requires collaboration between technologists, educators, and the Deaf community to ensure the solutions meet the actual needs of the users.
5. Future Directions: – Enhanced AI Capabilities: Future research should focus on improving the accuracy and functionality of AI systems to support a broader range of sign languages and educational contexts. – Ethical and Inclusive Development: Developing ethical guidelines for the use of AI in education is crucial. This includes ensuring data privacy, avoiding biases, and making the technology inclusive for all learners.
Impact and ImplicationThe paper underscores the transformative potential of AI in creating more inclusive educational environments for Deaf students, especially in the Global South. By addressing both technological and social aspects, the authors provide a comprehensive roadmap for future developments. Their findings suggest that with thoughtful implementation and active community engagement, AI can significantly enhance educational equity for Deaf learners.
For more detailed insights, you can access a read-only version of the full paper – https://rdcu.be/dOSpH.
Behind the Paper: Inclusive Deaf Education Enabled by Artificial Intelligence: The Path to a Solution
