Brett will demonstrate his classroom Augmented Reality Software which he is developing as part of his dissertation into creative interactive technologies. Using a normal PC, a webcam, a projector and a standard classroom whiteboard, Brett is pushing the boundaries of how intelligent image recognition software can interact with the educational process. Using Augmented Reality ideas from computer games, Brett will demonstrate how primary school maths and spelling lessons can be enhanced using software which analyses the problem presented on the whiteboard and can display hints towards a solution (on the board) or celebrate a correct answer visually. This proposal would ideally be of interest to teachers who teach basic literacy and numeracy skills, teachers of students with learning difficulties who respond well to computing props, or anyone interested in Augmented Reality demos.
Scott is developing software for Smartpens (demonstrated by Stephen Howell at last CESI-Meet). Smartpens can record written and spoken interactions in realtime for later playback. Smartpen functionality can be enhanced by developing software in Java (Penlets) which execute on the pen and can analyse writing. Scott is developing thesaurus and spelling awareness software and hopes to extend the project to detection of possible dyslexia traits in students. Scott's software will analyse handwriting and note when students display possible dyslexia indicators. This analysis can later be examined by an expert to determine risks the student might have. This presentation will be of interest to educational professionals who work with students with dyslexia and other learning barriers.