TeachingLanguageConcepts

Teaching Language Concepts (TLC)The VIP-TLC software is an interactive, computer-based instructional program that plays videos of difficult to learn language concepts. The software can be utilized to help teach abstract language concepts, such as comprehension of verbs and prepositions, semantic relations and syntactic structures, through a dynamic medium that for many is more motivating than viewing static images. TLC contains two teaching modes: the Expressive Mode and the Receptive Mode. In both modes, the user is presented with color-coded visual symbols for language elements that are arranged in a left to right orientation. They combine these elements to generate sentences, and the meaning of the sentence is then illustrated by its corresponding video. These visual illustrations of difficult and abstract language concepts may increase the user’s ability to comprehend them and use them for expression. Please view the video for a demonstration of the two teaching modes within TLC.

Receptive Mode:In this first segment, a mentor uses the on-screen, color-coded topic display to generate a directive for the user to execute, using the corresponding manipulatives which are provided with the program. In this example, the user is presented with the language elements and creates the sentence the boy push the cup. Upon sentence completion the corresponding dynamic scene cue plays to support comprehension. After viewing the video, the user is invited to use the corresponding figurines and manipulatives to carry our the directive him/herself. As the user acquires knowledge of each concept, scaffolding may be reduced. (Corresponding materials (e.g., manipulatives, tabletop printouts) are included with the software package.)Expressive Mode:In the second segment of the video, the user is first presented with a video clip, which he/she then must label expressively by creating a sentence that describes what happened in the video. In this example, the user views a video of the block climbing the ladder, and must then select the block, climb, the ladder from the on screen topic display. Auditory feedback is provided in this mode.

Additionally, mentors can easily create customized lessons in order to provide motivating opportunities for language exploration. Examples of customized lessons could include videos with familiar actors (e.g., Mom, rides, a bike; Joey, swims) and video clips of highly motivating television shows (e.g., Elmo, sings, a song; Wiggles, dance).

For more information please link to the Children's Hospital Autism Clinic in Boston