The EPSRC have recently reported on a new project to help children engage with computer science. A joke generating computer has been developed to encourage interaction with new technology and help develop language and computer science skills. The software was originally designed as part of a research project looking at ways to help children with learning difficulties.
The computer has been developed by experts at the universities of Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh and is now on show at the Glasgow Science Centre as part of an exhibition funded by the EPSRC Partnerships for Public Engagement award scheme.
Dr Judith Masthoff from the Department of Computer Science at the University of Aberdeen explains the concept of the project: “The aim was to provide software which children with cerebral palsy, or similar disabilities, could use to explore language. By playing with words and phrases, and teaming up with the computer to make jokes, the children would get practice with language, and would also have jokes of their own to tell their friends.”
For more information, visit the ESPRC website: http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/InTheNews/JokingComputer.htm
Tags: Research, science
