Computer Based Learning in the Malay Language for Children with Dyslexia

The aim of this project is to develop a multimedia learning aid (SpleXia) to facilitate
Malay word recognition, recall and usage by dyslexic children, based on studies of
cognitive information processing. The objective is to demonstrate a 15%
improvement in word recognition and replication, over a two-week period with
SpleXia, among dyslexic children. Dyslexia is a condition where an individual
having difficulties reading because the brain does not able to recognize and process
certain symbols.
The idea of this project arose from a needs assessment of the reading problems faced
by dyslexic children, which affects their performance in daily life and academic
enviromnents. Current therapeutic approaches to the treatment of dyslexia in
Malaysia are often ineffective as they usually involve drill-based activity that-creates
stress for children, parents and therapists during clinical sessions as well as the
special education teachers in remedial classes. Such approaches also often foster an
over-dependence on teachers, excluding independent self-learning by children and
participatory involvement by parents.
The reason why SpleXia targets to aid dyslexic children to improve their reading
skill in Malay is because Malay is the national language of Malaysia thus it is being
used widely in this country. Besides, the needs assessment also revealed a shortage
of computer-based learning aids for dyslexic children in the Malay language.
Benchmarking of existing Malay educational software was carried out. The
application developed in this study is differentiated by (1) the placement of word
cues in enviromnental settings, and (2) a stronger linkage between cues and relevant
interests within the target age group.
The target user of SpleXia is dyslexic children aged between 7-11 years old.
According to Piaget' s cognitive development theory, children that belong to this age
group are at the concrete operational stage where they see things in logical and

abstract manner. They have started to understand that every object has its own
characteristic and behaviour. Therefore, they are the most suitable users for SpleXia.
Meanwhile, the research for this project will focus on: (1) remediation of language
disorder, specifically developmental reading disorder or dyslexia, and (2) the
application of multimedia technology suitable for dyslexic children, based on studies
of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).
The methodology employed for this project was the incremental development
paradigm whereby the system was developed in stages according to user needs
requirements and integrated towards the end of the development.
Preliminary user testing revealed a 14% increase in word recognition and a 8%
increase in word replication over a one-administration trial. Users reported that the
system they subjectively perceived the application as "attractive", "fun" and
"beneficial". Results can be extrapolated to suggest that long-term improvements in
language performance might be anticipated over a longer administration period and
additional sessional trials of the application. The research finding shows an
improvement in target users' reading ability after using SpleXia for two weeks thus
proving that SpleXia can be useful for dyslexic children in Malaysia and computerbased
learning can revolutionize the traditional therapeutic approach for special
needs children.