The Role of American Sign Language(ASL) in Paired Deaf Signers' Mathematics Learning through Computer Games

Abstract

Many researchers have investigated how hearing kindergarteners explore technology-based tools (e.g., mathematics computer games) and interact with each other while playing computer games. However, we still know very little about how deaf kindergarteners interact and sign with each other while using technology-based tools. We conducted a case study of paired deaf signers learning number concepts playing mathematics computer games. We observed three different pairs for five months and videotaped sessions between two signers working on on-line mathematics computer games. The paired students’ American Sign Language competency was found to be critical for deaf kindergartners’ interaction to solve mathematical questions such as number concepts. Our findings also indicate that mathematics computer games can be a tool which can motivate deaf signers to communicate with each other and that in technology-based learning environments pairing would be a strategy to encourage deaf signers to interact with each other.