FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2003

TRENT INTRODUCES VOICE RECOGNITION SOFTWARE INTO THE CLASSROOM

The Special Needs Department at Trent University has introduced voice recognition technology into some classrooms on campus.

Called the Liberated Learning Project, this new initative involves the translation of a professor’s dialogue, during a lecture, into text that is displayed to the class on a large screen. This is particularly beneficial for students with special needs who learn better with visual cues. The technology also allows for lecture materials to be available, after class, for students who need to process information at an alternative pace.

To bring this technology to Trent, Eunice Lund-Lucas, co-ordinator of the Special Needs Department, has been working with the Atlantic Centre of Research, Access and Support for Students with Disabilities at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax. Saint Mary’s created the Liberated Learning Project.
Two Trent professors, Elaine Scharfe (Psychology Department) and Richard Hurley (Computer Studies Department), are now testing the software in their classes. Professor Scharfe implemented the new technology on January 6, the first day of classes in the new year.

Other colleges and universities involved in the project include the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia, University College of Cape Breton, Cambrian College and California State University. Ryerson University and Durham College were involved in phase one of the project.

- 30 -

For more information contact:
Eunice Lund-Lucas, co-ordinator, Special Needs, Trent University,
(705) 748-1011, ext. 1637