Development of Learning Software for Deaf: A Sample of Language Learning Material

Hearing capacity is given bestowed to humans. The significance is underappreciated in its presence. However, children with hearing loss feel challenges to be faced in learning and moving socially. According to a survey three children out of 1000 are born deaf but generally diagnosed between 2-5 years. Deaf education has come a long way since its inception in 15 century. Most common educational approaches available for deaf children include bilingual-bicultural, auditory/oral, and total communication. First approach uses a sign language, second approach without it, while the third approach combines visual communication and auditory. In this information age, this paper focuses on the use of ICT and web technologies bestowed by Web 2.0 for developing software which can leverage eLearning process for deaf children. A hybrid approach is incorporated to children with sign language and traditional teaching methods through the use of software. A web based interface is built with functionalities for teacher and student roles. Materials are uploaded and managed by users of teacher role while the users in student role (deaf children) can have good learning experience of English language basics. The results revealed that the proposed sample e-Learning mechanism is the good proof of the concept which can be improved to have fullfledged e-Learning portal for deaf children. Keywords— Education, E-Learning, Deaf children, Teaching for deaf, Language learning material