This study shows how the development of technology along with a sound educational research program may lead to optimal teaching and learning strategies. Computer software for direct instruction of deaf students in science is being experimented with across the country. This overcomes problems of cost and lead time which have formerly discouraged teachers from pursuing computer technology for direct instruction or tutoring. Personal captioning workstations are also being explored for their potential to enhance learning in the classroom by deaf students. The highly visual materials stimulate writing, vocabulary enrichment, and independent learning skills.
Students view videotape material and compose their own text.
C-Print involves a hearing operator who transcribes spoken lectures on an IBM compatible laptop computer using a commercially available word processing program, WordPerfect, and an abbreviation software program, Productivity Plus. The laptop may be connected to a television monitor to be viewed in real time by students in the class, and the lecture is stored in memory and can be printed as notes for student reference. In studies conducted so far, C-Print has been found successful in courses where numerical information, including formulas, are being discussed. C-Print will be explored in additional science and engineering courses in the near future. In the area of teacher training for professionals in science, engineering, and mathematics, technology is playing a key role.