Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants
Dalhousie University
$78,000.00
Video games and second language acquisition
FY 2017-18
Summary
Copernicus Studios Inc. (CSI; Halifax, NS) is developing LANGA - disruptive LANguage GAming software to help people learn new languages. LANGA uses advanced speech recognition and high-end animation to create a unique and engaging gaming experience. However, LANGA is more than just flash - it has been developed in partnership with the NeuroCognitive Imaging Lab (NCIL) at Dalhousie University. This industrial-academic partnership was forged to ensure that the training programs are informed by research in second language learning, and that LANGA's effectiveness has been validated in the lab. With the help of NSERC ENGAGE funding, the team has developed a proof-of-concept prototype and demonstrated that it is effective in teaching people basic vocabulary in a new language. In the next phase of this project, the team will complete the research necessary to create a market-ready product, and continue to improve efficacy after launch, leveraging the ""big data"" obtained from thousands of online users. This project will pursue the following objectives:1) Determine the most effective games, content, and curricula to teach vocabulary and grammar using automated speech recognition technology;2) Characterize how people differ in their language learning abilities, and how we can customize training to the needs and abilities of individuals;3) Develop Big Data Analytics that enable us to scale from lab-based research to rapid, iterative cycles of on-line data collection and analysis from tens of thousands of users;4) Characterize brain signals associated with language learning success, with the goal of developing a brain-computer interface for language training.The value of the language self-study global market is estimated at $32 billion, and second language training is increasingly essential for Canadians and new immigrants to succeed in the global economy. This research will contribute to the development of an on-line, highly-effective second language training platform owned and operated by an Atlantic Canada-based company.
Program
Collaborative Research and Development Grants
Recipient
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
As published
Application id
486618-2015
Name nom
Newman, Aaron
Department département
Psychology and Neuroscience
Organization id
79
Institution établissement
Dalhousie University
Province en
Nova Scotia
Province fr
Nouvelle-Écosse
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2017
Competition year année de concours
2015
Award amount
78000
Program id
CRDPJ
Program name en
Collaborative Research and Development Grants
Program name fr
Subventions de recherche et développement coopérative
Group en
Research partnerships programs
Group fr
Programmes de partenariat
Committee code
96
Committee name en
RPP Internal Decision Cttee
Committee name fr
Cté de décision interne - PPR
Area of application code
800
Area of application group en
Information and communication services
Area of application group fr
Services d'information et de télécommunications
Area of application en
Information and communication services
Area of application fr
Services d'information et de télécommunications
Research subject code
6306
Research subject group en
Psychology
Research subject group fr
Psychologie
Research subject en
Cognitive science -- language
Research subject fr
Science cognitive -- langage
Partie
2
Nb partie
3
Application title
Video games and second language acquisition
Keyword
NSERC
Application summary
Copernicus Studios Inc. (CSI; Halifax, NS) is developing LANGA - disruptive LANguage GAming software to help people learn new languages. LANGA uses advanced speech recognition and high-end animation to create a unique and engaging gaming experience. However, LANGA is more than just flash - it has been developed in partnership with the NeuroCognitive Imaging Lab (NCIL) at Dalhousie University. This industrial-academic partnership was forged to ensure that the training programs are informed by research in second language learning, and that LANGA's effectiveness has been validated in the lab. With the help of NSERC ENGAGE funding, the team has developed a proof-of-concept prototype and demonstrated that it is effective in teaching people basic vocabulary in a new language. In the next phase of this project, the team will complete the research necessary to create a market-ready product, and continue to improve efficacy after launch, leveraging the ""big data"" obtained from thousands of online users. This project will pursue the following objectives:1) Determine the most effective games, content, and curricula to teach vocabulary and grammar using automated speech recognition technology;2) Characterize how people differ in their language learning abilities, and how we can customize training to the needs and abilities of individuals;3) Develop Big Data Analytics that enable us to scale from lab-based research to rapid, iterative cycles of on-line data collection and analysis from tens of thousands of users;4) Characterize brain signals associated with language learning success, with the goal of developing a brain-computer interface for language training.The value of the language self-study global market is estimated at $32 billion, and second language training is increasingly essential for Canadians and new immigrants to succeed in the global economy. This research will contribute to the development of an on-line, highly-effective second language training platform owned and operated by an Atlantic Canada-based company.
