White Papers

Publications

Mott, M.S., & Benus, M.A. (2006) In Press

Mott, M.S., & Benus, M.A. (2006). Digital books with media-rich paper: Improving reading comprehension through touch-user-interface technology. Journal of Literacy and Technology 7,(1).

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Mott, M.S., & Barkeloo, J. (2004) AACE
Papers

Mott, M., & Barkeloo, J. (2004). Developmental Phonics Instruction with Touch User Interface Technology: Moving Toward a Multi-Sensory Approach for Grades Pre-K-2. In Proceedings of World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education 2004 (p. 1395). Norfolk, VA: AACE.

Abstract

Early childhood general and special educators and administrators are in a continuous process of discerning which research-based and newly emerging methods for teaching of phonics are most viable and engaging for the children in their classrooms and district-wide. This paper proposes the use of the Touch User Interface (TUI) technology platform to create a multi-sensory phonics program "workbook" with digital elements and will discuss the benefits of the use of this "smartpaper" technology. The phonics workbook sits in an electronic cradle and can call up video, audio, or other multimedia content designed to facilitate and reinforce standards-driven phonic understanding using multiple meaning based symbol systems by sending an infrared signal to a nearby internet-connected computer or a DVD player connected to a television. The ability of the learner to process phonic information via visual and verbal modes will enhance the phonological understanding via meeting the diverse learning styles of children.

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Documents

The Reduction of Alphabetic Systems due to the Implementation of Graphic User Interface (GUI) Technology upon Printed Paper

The Case for Touch User Interface (TUI) Technology

Abstract

A new written language system swept into the world around 3200 BCE. This system of information transmission was based upon pictures, sounds, and ideas and it formed the basis of the Mesopotamian (present day Iraq) cuneiform script and the Egyptian hieroglyphics. Though these icon-based systems transmitted an enormous amount of information relative to the amount of physical space required for the icon, they did not do a good job of transmitting specific pieces of information. The need to transmit specific information gave rise to alphabetic languages. However the downside of alphabetic systems is they require considerable space and time to transmit the more specific message.

It has taken nearly four thousand years for another mixed writing system to emerge that combines the benefit of icon-based writing systems with the benefit of the specificity of alphabetic languages. This paper is review of the benefits of the TUI system from combining the icon-based and alphabetic-based systems.

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Bridging the Digital Divide

A Position Statement

Abstract

The five points that comprise the "digital disconnect" or digital divide is discussed and how the touch user interface (TUI) technology may help bridge this divide.

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Connecting to Digital Content Through Textbooks

Introducing the Touch User Interface (TUI) Textbook that Bridges the Digital Divide

Abstract

Connecting all students to digital learning content and materials in accordance with legislative mandates such as IDEA and NCLB is a challenge. As a result of this challenge, a digital divide emerged between those who have connectivity to the information super-highway and those that do not. This paper discusses how connecting the 'least common denominator' student - those with visual, hearing, motor, and socioeconomic impairments - can lead to connecting all students ubiquitously.

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Motivating Students

The Excitement Hypothesis

Abstract

Most educators would agree that getting students excited about a subject tends to increase learning. The key is to get students excited. Finding a way to motivate students to learn material in order to increase test scores is the akin to the search for the 'holy grail' for teachers. This paper discusses how teachers can increase the motivation of students through the use of an innovative technology that links content on the page directly to digital content that can be presented on a computer and eventually a TV via a DVD player. Because the student does not really know what content resides behind the touch user interface (TUI) icon, the student's curiosity is increased. It is predicted that through the use of the TUI technology the student will be excited to engage with the learning material presented by the book and its associated digital content. It is predicted that when a student is excited and motivated by the learning material their involvement in the learning process increases. It is also noted that due to the nature of this technology the teacher can track and receive a report of the student's participation (or not) with the TUI-based book leading to a 'killer app' for teachers and a student's 'worst nightmare'.

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The Learning Objects Publishing Model
Abstract

This presentation presents a publishing model that enables a de-centralized dynamic publishing model. A publisher or author can quickly modify learning texts for student usage in accordance with the student's learning style, special need, or individualized education plan (IEP). Because the teacher, publisher, or author can easily manipulate the paper-based content and 'hook' it to digital content, the touch user interface (TUI) book becomes an organic and changeable work.

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The Open Source Publishing Model
Abstract

This presentation compares and contrasts the traditional, linear, and static publishing model with the open source, non-linear, and fluid publishing model enabled by the touch user interface (TUI) technology. The open source publishing model enables customer input into the publishing product designed to convey learning material to students. A feature of open source publishing is the combination of a learning objects library with front-end (fe) paper-based content connected by a press to the page (TUI) to back-end (be) digital content as described by the formula:

Open Source Publishing = electronic book + learning objects library

Whereas:

electronic book = (fe + TUI) + be

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Providing Prescriptive Digital Content to all Students

'One Student:One Book' versus 'All Students:One Book'

Abstract

This paper provides a review of prescriptive publishing. Prescriptive publishing is the endeavor to enable the creation of customized texts and digital content learning experiences to students to meet their learning styles, special needs, and in accordance with their individualized education plan (IEP) if one is present. Through the use of the TUI technology a school district, clinician, or educator and readily modify learning materials and texts to provide a customized, individual learning solution to students.

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A New Technology for Content Repurposing
Abstract

This paper provides a road-map to publishers for positioning their pre-existing content for working with the touch user interface (TUI) technology. A definition of content repurposing as it relates to modifying content is also offered. The TUI icon library is also introduced and how this icon set is being positioned as an international standard for TUI symbols. Finally, a discussion of a deployed pilot book complete with TUI icon connecting to digital content is provided.

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The Touch User Interface (TUI) Advantage for Publishers
Abstract

The touch user interface (TUI) can benefit publishers in a number of ways. Included in this one-page briefing is a comparison of the different types of media for delivering educational content as well as results for stake-holders and customers of publishers.

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Interactive Education for Everybody Including the Blind
Abstract

In this audio/video, the Founder and President, Jason E. Barkeloo, describes the Somatic Digital vision of providing accessible materials to all students as part of its Interactive Education initiative. This presentation occurred in July, 2005 at the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) annual conference in Louisville, Kentucky. QuickTime QuickTime media player required (installation of iTunes not required).

Touch the Earth Prototype Project Evaluation

The First Braille Book Using the Touch User Interface

Abstract

The prototype Touch the Earth (TTE) project was undertaken by the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute beginning in August 2005. The objective of this project was to investigate the combination of digital technology with paper Braille in order to create a dynamic approach to learning about earth science with NASA data. The TTE prototype is the first paper-based Braille book to utilize the Touch User Interface (TUI) innovated by Somatic Digital. The overwhelming success of, and interest in, the TTE prototype suggests that a full-scale project with broad dissemination would have wide reaching benefits.

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