Madelaine Plauché

HIV health information access using spoken dialogue systems: Touchtone vs. speech

This paper presents our work in the design of a SDS for the provision of health information to caregivers of HIV positive children. We specifically address the frequently debated question of input modality in speech systems; touchtone versus speech input, in a new context of low literacy users and a health information service. We discuss our experiences and fieldwork which includes needs assessment interviews, focus group sessions, and user studies in Botswana with semi and low-literate users. Our results indicate user preference for touchtone over speech input although both systems were comparable in performance based on objective metrics.

Usage models of classroom computing in developing regions

This paper examines low-cost computing projects for education in developing regions, and presents some of the common entrepreneurial and technical problems faced by past and current initiatives. In particular, we look at various models of computer usage, and evaluate their appropriateness according to their effectiveness in education, their socio-cultural suitability, and economic feasibility. Based on detailed field studies and interviews conducted in rural Indian classrooms and economic analysis, we show that shared rather than single-user devices constitute a more realistic and sustainable approach for low-cost computing projects targeting childrens education.