SignText: a web-based tool for providing accessible text book contents for Deaf learners

Abstract

Lack of Sign Language-based learning tools is a hindrance in acquiring knowledge for deaf students. Technology-based tools have introduced innovative ways of learning textbook contents. Augmenting textbook contents with sign can significantly help in learning. This paper proposes SignText, a bilingual tool for learning textbook lessons. This web-based tool works on a web browser to provide sign language-based instructions. Along with signs, simultaneous text-based instructions are also provided to enhance learning. The effectiveness of this tool was studied using an experiment in which 34 deaf students participated. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were conducted to find the effectiveness of SignText. Results show that SignText improves learning for deaf students.