Basic handwriting instructor for kids using OCR as an Evaluator

• Main Authors: Alvaro, Alvin Kenneth S, Dela Cruz, Rowan Larch D J, Fonseca, Donn Mark T, Samonte, Mary Jane C
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Application software; Character recognition; Computer aided instruction; Computer science education; Computerized monitoring; Educational institutions; Educational technology; Optical character recognition software; Optical devices; touch screen; Writing
• ISSN: 2324-819X; 2324-8203
• DOI: 10.1109/ICNIT.2010.5508516

Writing is a skill that is used in all academic coursework as well as through a person's professional and personal life. Technology has become an influential factor when it comes to education. Computers are used in developed countries to complement established education practices and develop new ways of learning. Computer Aided Instruction (CAI) helps us to make the present teaching learning process easy to understand through audio-visual aids. In this study, the proponents developed a software application that will teach children ages 4-6 how to write by using stylus and be able to write on the touch screen monitor of the computer. The basic handwriting software for kids show images containing steps on how to write the alphabet and audio sounds to identify what letter should be written. Children can trace letters using tablet or touch screen devices and will be evaluated afterwards using Optical Character Recognition (OCR). A survey is conducted using a questionnaire for both professional school teachers and parents. Results proved that the software contains activities and lessons that are appropriate to the comprehension level of children. It also showed that the software provided children with user friendly, functional, reliable and correct alternative way of teaching basic handwriting.