Web-based application for learning Malaysian sign language
Shamsul Anuar Mokhtar, Siti Sarah Shamsul Anuar, Siti Mashitah Shamsul Anuar · 2017
Malaysian Sign Language is the native language for the deaf people in Malaysia. However, there is still a lack of web resources available to the public to facilitate the learning of the language. To overcome this problem, a research initiative has been undertaken in developing a web-based learning application for Malaysian Sign Language. The design and development of the web application covers two aspects: the content and the application modules. The web application incorporates 2-D animation and utilises open source technologies. The modules developed includes sign language representation of 200 words or more, letters of the alphabet, numbers, fingerspelling with user-defined words, and formation of user-defined sentences. In addition, fingerspellings and external videos was built into the web application. Within one year of publishing the web application to the World Wide Web, the web application has attracted more than 17,000 visitors. In terms of search engine ranking, the web application is currently the top ranked web site for Malaysian Sign Language. User evaluation conducted on users found that more than 90% of the respondents gave positive response to the functionalities and elements offered by the web application.