CoVoL: A Cooperative Vocabulary Learning Game for Children with Autism

TL;DR

CoVoL is a cooperative game designed to improve vocabulary learning in children with Autism by incorporating turn-taking to simulate real-world social interactions, with initial prototypes and planned features based on expert feedback.

Contribution

This paper introduces CoVoL, a novel cooperative vocabulary learning game that emphasizes turn-taking to enhance social communication skills in children with Autism.

Findings

Prototype developed and evaluated

Feedback collected from researchers and therapists

Future evaluation plans outlined

Abstract

Children with Autism commonly face difficulties in vocabulary acquisition, which can have an impact on their social communication. Using digital tools for vocabulary learning can prove beneficial for these children, as they can provide a predictable environment and effective individualized feedback. While existing work has explored the use of technology-assisted vocabulary learning for children with Autism, no study has incorporated turn-taking to facilitate learning and use of vocabulary similar to that used in real-world social contexts. To address this gap, we propose the design of a cooperative two-player vocabulary learning game, CoVoL. CoVoL allows children to engage in game-based vocabulary learning useful for real-world social communication scenarios. We discuss our first prototype and its evaluation. Additionally, we present planned features which are based on feedback obtained through ten interviews with researchers and therapists, as well as an evaluation plan for the final release of CoVoL.