MyWord: Supporting the Interest-based Learning of Words through a Personal Visual Dictionary

In this research we explore how interest-based interactive technologies can support learning, particularly for children for whom receptive language and the pace of the general curriculum can be challenging. We designed and iteratively developed MyWord, a visual dictionary tablet app, which supports the exploration of words through images that represent a child's interest. The prototype was derived from a parent's concept and a one-month deployment with her child. Early findings indicate that MyWord has the potential to support collaborative image curation, browsing and discovery of interests, and writing and spelling practices. This paper bridges knowledge between competency-based learning approaches and technology design. We conclude with reflections on early use of the MyWord app and pose questions to direct future work. \