Abstract:

Memory retention can be defined as a process by which both working memory and long term memory preserves knowledge so that it can locate, identify and retrieve it in the future. Children with dyslexia suffer from lack of memory retention. They suffer from reduced mental ability, which affects the series such language acquisition, mathematical difficulties and many more. Different interventions have been implemented using computing technologies to aid memory retention among the dyslexic children. Computing techniques such as gaming, assessments and motivation are employed to improve the reading and spelling skills of learners. Unfortunately the computing techniques tend to address either one or the other of these needs being either enabling or instructional. Such computing technologies up to now, have not been designed to respond to personalized feedback from the learner and to personalize the system in line with the user’s performance. The aim of the study is to propose an agent based computational model for pupils with dyslexia, implement the model as a computerized learning tool and test it to determine the effect of memory retention strategies on dyslexic children. In view of this, the paper discusses, the use of Intelligent Agents that will help design an adaptive learning support system together with key memory strategies to enhance memory retention. This study will design an Agent based model that will be implemented using a computational tool that will be used by dyslexic learners, this will be achieved by reviewing different Intelligent Agent architecture and come up with one that will help draw up the computational tool. The experimental design aims to establish the existence of a cause and effect relationship between variables. This study determines how to show the correlation between the independent variables (Repetition, Feedback and retrieval practice) and the dependent variable (Memory retention). The experiment will have two groups, one will be the experimental group and the other group will be the control group. The research intends to put in a place an agent based computational tool for dyslexic learners, the learners will use the tool for exercises, tests and exams. The learners will undertake pretest at the beginning of the study and then a post test at the end of the study. The results of both the control group and the experimental group will be analyzed using ANOVA and then results will be represented in form of tables. Descriptive design will be used by employing an open ended questionnaire which will be rolled out to the teachers. These questions will relate on what the teacher observed with the children during learning, when using Agent based computational tool. Results for this study will be mainly from the agent based computational tool. We intend to document the entire process, exercises, quizzes and then the main exam. The study intends to contribute to computational models for dyslexic learners as well as employ the agent based computational tool on dyslexic learners to determine whether memory retention will be realized.

Keywords:

Dyslexia, Memory Retention, Agent Based Computational tool