Avoiding communication barriers in the classroom: the APEINTA project |
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| Authors: | Ana Iglesias Javier Jiménez Pablo Revuelta Lourdes Moreno |
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| Institution: | 1. Computer Science Department, Carlos III of Madrid University, Avda. Universidad, 30, 28911 Leganés (Madrid), Spainaiglesia@inf.uc3m.es;3. APTENT be accessible!, Avenida de Gregorio Peces-Barba, 1, 28919 Leganés – Madrid(Espa?a), Spain;4. Electronic Technology Department, Carlos III of Madrid University, Calle Butarque, 15, 28911 Leganés (Madrid), Spain;5. Computer Science Department, Carlos III of Madrid University, Avda. Universidad, 30, 28911 Leganés (Madrid), Spain |
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| Abstract: | Education is a fundamental human right, however unfortunately not everybody has the same learning opportunities. For instance, if a student has hearing impairments, s/he could face communications barriers in the classroom, which could affect his/her learning process. APEINTA is a Spanish educational project that aims for inclusive education for all. This project proposes two main accessible initiatives: (1) real-time captioning and text-to-speech (TTS) services in the classroom and (2) accessible Web-learning platform out of the classroom with accessible digital resources. This paper presents the inclusive initiatives of APEINTA. Also an evaluation of the into-the-classroom initiative (real-time captioning and TTS services) is presented. This evaluation has been conducted during a regular undergraduate course at a university and during a seminar at an integration school for deaf children. Forty-five hearing students, 1 foreign student, 3 experts in captioning, usability and accessibility, and 20 students with hearing impairments evaluated these services in the classroom. Evaluation results show that these initiatives are adequate to be used in the classroom and that students are satisfied with them. |
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| Keywords: | inclusive education education for all real-time captioning text-to-speech services students with special needs |
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