Report OL174 The British Sign Language Tutor

This report marks the conclusion of a two year project to develop a computer-based training system to assist in the learning of British Sign Language ( BSL ). Interest in BSL has grown in recent years, to the extent that teaching resources have become stretched. One of the problems associated with teaching and learning BSL is the need for intensive tuition, often in one-to-one situations. A further obstacle can be the limited opportunities available to students wishing to practice what they have learned.

The British Sign Language Tutor was devised and developed by Oxford based ATTICA Cybernetics, and is the first interactive multimedia training aid for British Sign Language ( BSL ). 60 lessons based around 21 themes give the student access to a range of conversation topics. A unique record and playback feature enables students to practice signing and view their progress. ATTICA Cybernetics undertook all technical aspects of development. The Centre for Deaf Studies at Bristol University acted as consultant for the project.

The concepts involved in learning Sign language are discussed, followed by an explanation of the value of the project in helping learners to develop their Signing skills. From basic needs in the field of BSL tuition arose the concept for a computer-based learning system. Chapter two discusses the user interface, system data acquisition, system data, learning tools, the recording tool, database tools, context-sensitive help and a visual tutorial aimed specifically at first-time users, which demonstrates how to use the system both pictorially and textually.

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This page last updated 24 January 1999.