Background of the Study
Sign language is an essential communication medium for the Deaf community, yet access to quality sign language education remains limited, particularly in regions like Maiduguri, Borno State. To address this gap, an interactive sign language learning application is being developed to facilitate the acquisition of sign language skills through digital technology. This application integrates video tutorials, interactive lessons, quizzes, and real-time feedback to provide a comprehensive learning experience tailored to different proficiency levels (Ibrahim, 2023). By leveraging multimedia elements such as high-definition video demonstrations and animated sign sequences, the app creates an engaging, user-friendly platform that can enhance both receptive and expressive sign language skills. Research has shown that interactive digital platforms can significantly improve language acquisition by accommodating diverse learning styles and providing repetitive practice in a safe environment (Chinwe, 2024). Moreover, the application includes features that enable learners to track their progress, receive personalized recommendations, and interact with a community of peers, thereby fostering collaborative learning. The system is designed to be accessible on various mobile devices, ensuring that users in Maiduguri have the flexibility to learn at their own pace. This initiative is particularly crucial in resource-constrained environments where traditional sign language instruction may be scarce or inaccessible. The project aims to bridge the educational divide by making sign language learning more accessible, thereby empowering the Deaf community and promoting inclusive communication.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the critical role of sign language in enabling communication for the Deaf community, many learners in Maiduguri face significant barriers in accessing quality educational resources. Traditional classroom-based sign language instruction is limited by insufficient qualified instructors, high costs, and geographic constraints (Ibrahim, 2023). Moreover, existing digital tools for learning sign language are often outdated or non-interactive, failing to engage learners effectively. This lack of accessible and engaging learning platforms results in low proficiency rates and limits the opportunities for the Deaf community to fully integrate into mainstream society. While interactive, multimedia applications have shown promise in other areas of language learning, their use in sign language education remains underdeveloped. This study seeks to address these challenges by designing and implementing an interactive sign language learning application. It will evaluate the app’s effectiveness in improving sign language proficiency, learner engagement, and overall accessibility. Additionally, the study will identify technical and pedagogical barriers to the successful adoption of digital sign language tools and propose strategies to overcome these obstacles, ensuring that the application meets the needs of diverse learners in Maiduguri. The objective is to create a scalable and sustainable digital solution that enhances language learning outcomes and supports the empowerment of the Deaf community (Chinwe, 2024).
Objectives of the Study
• To design and develop an interactive sign language learning application.
• To evaluate its impact on language proficiency and user engagement.
• To identify challenges and propose solutions for effective implementation.
Research Questions
• How does the application improve sign language learning outcomes?
• What improvements in engagement and proficiency are observed?
• What technical and pedagogical challenges must be addressed?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it provides an innovative digital solution to enhance sign language education, thereby increasing accessibility and proficiency for the Deaf community in Maiduguri (Ibrahim, 2023). The findings will offer valuable insights for educators and policymakers, promoting inclusive educational practices and empowering marginalized groups through technology (Chinwe, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to the design, implementation, and evaluation of a sign language learning application in Maiduguri, Borno State. It focuses solely on digital learning for sign language and does not extend to other languages or educational tools.
Definitions of Terms
Sign Language: A visual language that uses hand gestures, facial expressions, and body language for communication.
Interactive Application: A software tool that engages users through multimedia and interactive features.
Adaptive Learning: A method that personalizes educational content based on individual performance.
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