Programming by voice: a hands-free approach for motorically challenged children

Simple item page
dc.contributorKraft, Nicholas A.
dc.contributorVrbsky, Susan V.
dc.contributorBrown, Marcus E.
dc.contributorSmith, Randy K.
dc.contributor.advisorGray, Jeff
dc.contributor.authorWagner, Amber
dc.contributor.otherUniversity of Alabama Tuscaloosa
dc.date.accessioned2017-03-01T17:24:19Z
dc.date.available2017-03-01T17:24:19Z
dc.date.issued2015
dc.descriptionElectronic Thesis or Dissertationen_US
dc.description.abstractComputer Science (CS) educators frequently develop new methodologies, languages, and programming environments to teach novice programmers the fundamental concepts of CS. A recent trend has focused on new environments that reduce the initial challenges associated with the heavy syntax focus of textual programming languages. There are numerous Initial Programming Environments (IPEs) available that have been created for student use that in some cases have fostered self-discovery and inquiry-based exploration. In this dissertation, three IPEs are discussed: Scratch (2015), Lego Mindstorms (2015), and Blockly (2015). Although the block-based nature of IPEs can be helpful for learning concepts in CS, a small group of students (approximately 5%) is being left out from learning experiences and engagement in CS due to block-based environments’ dependence on the Windows Icon Mouse Pointer (WIMP) metaphor. Block-based environments often require the use of both a mouse and keyboard, which motorically challenged users often are unable to operate. Based on research performed and presented in this dissertation, a Vocal User Interface (VUI) is a viable solution that offers a “Programming by Voice” (PBV) capability (i.e., a capability to describe a program without using a keyboard or mouse). However, adapting legacy applications can be time consuming, particularly, if multiple applications (such as the three IPEs previously mentioned) require specialized VUIs. Each environment has its own visual layout and its own commands; therefore, each application requires a different VUI. In order to create a more generic solution, a Domain-Specific Language (DSL) can be applied to create a semi-automated process allowing a level of abstraction that captures the specific needs of each IPE. From the specification of each IPE, a customized VUI can be generated that integrates with the legacy application in a non-invasive manner. The nine chapters included in this dissertation were motivated by the following four research questions: 1. How can we improve initial programming instruction? 2. Can all children participate in programming instruction? 3. How do we implement PBV to allow children to take advantage of creative, block-based programming environments? 4. What are some potential ideas that can assist in generalizing the process of voice enabling IPEs?en_US
dc.format.extent184 p.
dc.format.mediumelectronic
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.identifier.otheru0015_0000001_0001942
dc.identifier.otherWagner_alatus_0004D_12473
dc.identifier.urihttps://ir.ua.edu/handle/123456789/2362
dc.languageEnglish
dc.language.isoen_US
dc.publisherUniversity of Alabama Libraries
dc.relation.hasversionborn digital
dc.relation.ispartofThe University of Alabama Electronic Theses and Dissertations
dc.relation.ispartofThe University of Alabama Libraries Digital Collections
dc.rightsAll rights reserved by the author unless otherwise indicated.en_US
dc.subjectComputer science
dc.titleProgramming by voice: a hands-free approach for motorically challenged childrenen_US
dc.typethesis
dc.typetext
etdms.degree.departmentUniversity of Alabama. Department of Computer Science
etdms.degree.disciplineComputer Science
etdms.degree.grantorThe University of Alabama
etdms.degree.leveldoctoral
etdms.degree.namePh.D.

Files

Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Thumbnail Image
Name:
file_1.pdf
Size:
9.92 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Download

Collections

Theses and Dissertations
Theses and Dissertations - Department of Computer Science