Development of a test battery to assess deaf language skills via WWW

Abstract

A test battery (BALS Online) was created to assess the development of language skills in Portuguese and Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) by deaf students via WWW. The battery consists of six tests, namely: picture naming by matching written words (PNM Online), picture naming by spelling (PNS Online), sign naming by matching written words (SNM Online), sign naming by spelling (SNS Online), word reading competence (WRC Online), receptive sign vocabulary (RSV Online). The traditional paper-and-pencil versions have been standardized with a sample of 1158 deaf students. This study provides preliminary validation of three out of the six computerized battery tests with hearing children. By comparing data obtained with the computerized tests to data obtained with the paper-and-pencil tests, the study found out that they are compatible.