Incorporating a smart classroom 2.0 Speech-Driven PowerPoint System (SDPPT) into university teaching

Abstract

This study is an ongoing research which aims to renovate the current science learning environment in Taiwan by establishing a Smart Classroom 2.0 through various innovative smart classroom technologies. In this paper, one of the Smart Classroom 2.0 systems, namely the Speech-Driven PowerPoint (SDPPT) system, will be introduced. The SDPPT system is a novel educational advance, which utilizes automatic voice recognition technology to assist PowerPoint Presentations in university teaching. Before the development of various Smart Classroom 2.0 systems, a baseline study was conducted in order to better understand the needs and learning preferences of university students. Having completed the baseline study, the SDPPT system has been deployed and pilot tested in a university classroom. A total of 46 undergraduate students participated in the pilot testing of the system. Students’ general perceptions towards learning in an Information and Communication Technologies-Supported Learning (ICT-SL) environment were analyzed using paired sample t-tests. The results indicated that students’ learning motivation and learning effectiveness have increased after experiencing the SDPPT system. In addition, students also revealed that they enjoyed the interactions provided by this new system and anticipated the development of the SDPPT would facilitate better learning in classroom environments.