Examining the Effects of Visual Language Experience on Visual Attention in Deaf Emergent Readers Using Eye-Tracking Technology
A Pilot Study for Innovation in E-Literacy and Signing Creatures Avatar Design
PI: Laura-Ann Petitto; Co-PIs: Thomas Allen & Melissa Malzkuhn
(NSF Signing Creatures Supplemental Grant)
Using an eyetracker+iPad setup, we are examining the effects of the timing of exposure to visual language (what we term Age of Exposure, or AoE) on how young deaf children interact with an interactive storybook app containing American Sign Language (ASL), English, and animation. We are also investigating the role of "chaining" - the systematic presentation of a semantic idea through different forms such as fingerspelling, signing, English print, and voice - on word learning in young children. The fruits of this study will inform future Avatar and Robotic science on designing innovative educational resources for the young deaf visual learner.
The Impact of Early Visual Language Experience on Visual Attention and Visual Sign Phonology Processing in Young Deaf Emergent Readers Using Early-Reading Apps
A Combined Eye-Tracking and fNIRS Brain Imaging Investigation
PI: Laura-Ann Petitto
(VL2 Grant, Year 8, Strategic Focus Area 1, Study 2)
Collaborators/Network: Gallaudet's new PhD in Educational Neuroscience (PEN) Graduate Students Adam Stone & Geo Kartheiser, and Gallaudet University PEN and VL2's Clifton Langdon, Melissa Herzig, Thomas Allen, Melissa Malzkhn, Haskins Laboratory/Yale University's Kaja Jasinska, and Dr. Rain Bosworth, UCSD. Graduate Assistants helping on aspects of study include Erin Spurgeon, Casey Cochran, and undergraduate Don Cullen.