Yuri Westplat (HvA): Prapla
Prapla is a speech-controlled learning application for young children. With Prapla, a child learns new Dutch words and phrases, and practices proper Dutch pronunciation using a combination of speech technology and images.
Lack of language skills is one of the causes of inequality in Dutch society. Building a basic vocabulary takes time, especially if a child does not speak Dutch at home. In practice, many Amsterdam preschoolers from non-Dutch backgrounds start their school career with insufficient language skills they never catch up. The obvious solution is to hire more teachers but this is not going to happen anytime soon.
Prapla supports existing learning activities by letting children practice on their own, greatly improves the child’s vocabulary. Prapla uses natural language processing and machine learning: new, rapidly developing technologies within Artificial Intelligence. Prapla is the result of three years of research to explore new ways to design and build AI-supported language tools that are safe, fair, unbiased and easy to use for everyone.
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