Speech-enabled mobile learning application

Mobile devices have recently gained global popularity for business and commercial uses like alerts and instant messaging. Yet, not much has been done to extend the usage of these devices in electronic learning. This paper explores the extension of e-learning into wireless/handheld (W/H) computing devices via speech-enabled discussion forum application. Discussion forums (or boards) are widely used in e-learning as a surrogate for classroom interaction among students and instructor. While these tools are relatively easy to use on a personal computer they become cumbersome on W/H devices. Speech recognition technology has the potential of overcoming this user interface problem by using text-to-speech technology and interactive voice recognition (IVR) technology for voice activated user navigation. This project attempts to develop an application using current generation of speech technology to facilitate online learning via W/H devices. Application requirements and systems architecture are presented for discussion and a prototype is being developed for pilot testing with students in online courses at our university. Results from this exploratory study will hopefully lead to proper investments in mobile applications and more research on understanding the role of speech recognition with W/H devices.