MAGIC BOX - Audio visual computer aided speech development program for children with speech impairments
THE MAGIC BOX is a multisensory speech training system running on an IBM PC-compatible computer that helps the user to develop her/his own speech production. Itis mainly used for children and adults with hearing loss and hard of hearing. During the development of pronunciation, the main emphasis is on the creation of the articulation base of children, the formation and automation of the correct pronunciation of Hungarian speech sounds and fluent speech. The system works with automatic speech recognition, the characteristic parameters of the sound generated during speech are displayed on the computer screen in an illustrative form. This image is called a speech sound image. Further details can be read in the DSc dissertation of Klára Vicsi (in Hungarian).
The speech sound image that appears during incorrect training is very different from that of characterizes the correct pronunciation. In this way, the system allows the child (or adult with speech disorder) to see his or her own bad sound image and its deviation from the sound pattern of a normal pronunciation can be effectively persuaded by changing his or her own articulation to produce the correct sound sequence. With the procedure, children aged 4-6 can also effectively acquire correct speech training.
Simultaneously with the visual display, the correct sound pattern can be heard (a syllable, word or sentence). THE MAGIC BOX makes the work of speech therapists more efficient. The program allows children to practice independently at home, drawing their attention with playful programs.