A proposed framework of an interactive semi-virtual environment for enhanced education of children with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

Abstract

Interactive Technologies for Autistic Children: A Review

“…Additionally, one of the most important aspects of VE used by participants with ASD in educational settings is the participants level of enjoyment. Persons with ASD, especially children, are more interested in interacting with computers than other toys [Konstantinidis et al, 2009]. Moreover, virtual peers [Tartaro, 2007] are life-sized, language enabled, computer-generated, and animated characters that look like a child, which are capable of interacting, sharing real toys and responding to children's input.…”

“…The current literature reveals that avatars, humanoid or not, advance the educational process [Konstantinidis et al, 2009] and improve the social skills of the participants [Hopkins IM, 2011]. Additionally, educators suggest that most of the time, persons with ASD can recognize the avatar's mental and emotional state from the facial expressions [Orvalho V, 2009], [Konstantinidis et al, 2009].…”

“…A significant effort has been undertaken to use emotionally avatars due to the findings in psychology and neurology that suggest emotions are an important factor in decision-making, problem solving, and cognition in general [Damasio, 1994]. The results of surveys among educators of autistic children in the recent literature illustrate that the childrens recognition of not only the avatars emotion but also the avatar's emotional state advances the educational process [Konstantinidis et al, 2009]. Moreover, the findings are better in the case of avatars that have voices [Konstantinidis et al, 2009].…”

“…Over the last few years, there have been considerable advances in the research on innovative ICT for the education of people with special needs, such as patients suffering from ASD [Konstantinidis et al, 2009]. Education is considered to be the most effective therapeutic strategy [Mitchell et al, 2006].…”

A Gaming Model for Teaching Autistic Children Basic Traffic Rules

“…Some frameworks have been proposed which employ both real world objects and virtual environments equipped with the ability to provide emotional feedback and to demonstrate empathy. Potential examples and usage for such environments are also described [8].…”