Applying and evaluating computer‐animated tutors

We have developed computer‐assisted speech and language tutors for deaf, hard of hearing, and autistic children. Our language‐training program utilizes our computer‐animated talking head, Baldi, as the conversational agent, who guides students through a variety of exercises designed to teach vocabulary and grammer, to improve speech articulation, and to develop linguistic and phonological awareness. Baldi is an accurate three‐dimensional animated talking head appropriately aligned with either synthesized or natural speech. Baldi has a tongue and palate, which can be displayed by making his skin transparent. Two specific language‐training programs have been evaluated to determine if they improve word learning and speech articulation. The results indicate that the programs are effective in teaching receptive and productive language. Advantages of utilizing a computer‐animated agent as a language tutor are the popularity of computers and embodied conversational agents with autistic kids, the perpetual availa...