ShiningStar : A gamification learning app for special needs children with speech disorders

Abstract

"Special needs children with language difficulties face various challenges in the classroom, including speech delays, communication issues, and learning difficulties like Autism, dyscalculia, dyslexia, dysgraphia, language processing difficulties, and ADHD. Teachers and caregivers use various techniques to teach these children, but they face challenges such as lack of engagement, distraction, motivational barriers, difficulty processing information, emotional factors, sensory overload, and individualized approaches. Communication challenges for special needs children include verbal and non-verbal expression, limited vocabulary, difficulty understanding and interpreting communication, impaired social skills, sensory issues, reading and writing difficulties, and speech and language development issues. Addressing these challenges is crucial for their overall well-being. Technology use can be challenging for special needs children, as caregivers may not have a better understanding of the product or not want to utilize it due to concerns about limiting verbal communication. AAC devices, which provide a voice for children with autism, can be complicated and may be difficult for some children. Social issues also pose a challenge for special needs children, as society may not be aware of their needs and pay attention to them. Limited support networks can lead to exclusion, isolation, and stigmatization. Barriers to education and inclusion include inadequate accommodations, lack of trained professionals, and the complexity of AAC devices. Training programs can empower caregivers and enhance AAC implementation, while financial burdens can exacerbate these issues. Preparing learning materials for children with special needs is also challenging due to their different learning styles. This project aimed to scrutinize the challenges faced by educators instructing special needs children with language difficulties and develop an interactive mobile application using gamification techniques for teachers, guardians, parents, and nonverbal children. Gamification applications can improve learning outcomes and increase student engagement for special needs children by providing a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Teachers play a crucial role in implementing gamification learning, monitoring students' progress, offering extra help, and assisting in program efficiency. The ShiningStar project used an incremental and iterative approach, utilizing the Agile methodology and the Rational Unified Process (RUP), an incremental, iterative process iii with stakeholder participation. Learning disabilities impact a child's education, and early intervention is crucial for improved outcomes. Gamification applications can improve learning and capture students' attention. However, understanding their primary impacts on students, tutors, and the learning process is lacking. This study aims to examine gamification apps' motivational effects and connections with psychological needs. Gamification applications can improve learning outcomes and increase student engagement for special needs children by providing a dynamic and engaging learning environment. These applications can enhance motivation, attention span, and general learning results. They are crucial for interacting with children with special needs, as they can help with communication and provide visual support. Gamification can also improve academic performance, engagement, and retention. The most popular gamification components in e-learning include badges, levels, points, and leaderboards. Teachers play a crucial role in implementing gamification learning, monitoring students' progress, offering extra help, and assisting in utilizing the program efficiently. Using technology to enhance special education can improve classroom activities, offer tailored assistance, and foster a more welcoming learning atmosphere. Some gamification-based projects and applications are being developed to aid the learning of special needs children with learning difficulties."