Web Fun Central: Online learning tools for individuals with Down syndrome
Assadour Kirijian, Matthew B. Myers, Sylvie Charland · 2007
Background In the summer of 2001, A.K.A. New Media Inc.(A.K.A.) was commissioned by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in New York City to develop online learning modules and games for individuals with Down syndrome, made possible with financial support provided by a grant from the Ericsson Inc. ERICA program. These online tools were created to help individuals with Down syndrome learn and practice the basic skills required to use the Internet, allowing them to take better advantage of the entertainment and educational benefits that the Internet can provide. As far as A.K.A. was able to ascertain at the time, an initiative of this nature had not been attempted before. In fact, initially A.K.A. was not even sure if such a thing was possible. The result was a year-long odyssey of intensive research, usability testing and production culminating with a suite of innovative online learning tools and games called Web Fun Central. The entire journey from conceptualization to testing to final production was a series of trial and error, surprises, failures and successes. It is hoped that sharing these experiences will provide some insight, guidance and encouragement to other researchers, educators and designers interested in furthering this important work. Today, Web Fun Central is being used by individuals with Down syndrome across North America and around the world and can be accessed at http://www. clubndss.org/clubndss.cfm?fuseaction=computercenter.