This project would develop an interface board for the IBM personal computer (and compatibles) which would allow software developers to produce inexpensive multisensory courseware. The students using the courseware would get human voice verbal - instruction on how to operate the computer and be taught the - subject matter through verbal, visual and tactile interaction with the computer. To keep the method economical the interface board will control a standard cassette recorder which will respond under program control. The interface board will utilize a recorded tone sensing circuit to monitor tape position for screen display synchronization. The cassette can be stopped and started under program control using a relay circuit to the remote control jack on-most tape recorders. After instruction in given the tape stops while students interact with the computer, then tape automatically continues. It is easily adapted to any learning discipline or course material for students who need to learn at their own speed. Validation and reliability of the approach will be proven by developing five lessons of a twenty lesson course- ware package to teach reading to functionally illiterate adults. The reading method is proven and HEC Software has an exclusive license for its development an the computer.
Anticipated Result A courseware package that to easy to run, easy to understand, and economically feasible to be used unattended. The reading courseware, for example, may be used by many of the more than 60 million functionally illiterate adults In America to learn decoding skills. Using this method a student can read 90-95% of the words in the English language. The package could be made available through libraries, community education centers, employment upgrade programs, churches, penal institutions and other walk-in learning centers.
