Abstract:

The Voice Interactive Training System (VILTS) is a language-training prototype developed to help improve comprehension and speaking skills. The system incorporates two related technologies: speech recognition and pronunciation scoring. Speech recognition allows students to navigate through units by using oral communication skills. Pronunciation scoring, validated through correlation with expert raters, provides assessment of speaking skills. We discuss the motivation for the program, the interdisciplinary efforts involved, and the resulting system architecture. We also describe challenges and trade-offs in designing activities using unscripted material and in integrating new speech technology. Finally, we discuss system evaluation and opportunities for future directions.

Author: Marikka Elizabeth Rypa, Patti Price