Eye tracking technology is an invaluable tool for users that have limited mobility but are able to reliably and consistently control the movements of their eyes. Eye tracking technology has the following benefits to the young learner.
1. Communication - Many users may benefit from communication software such as Grid 3 that can be accessed through eye tracking. This gives the user with little or no functional speech the opportunity to communicate through selecting symbols and when literate, typing messages using the eye tracker. Playing simple cause and effect games using eye tracking enables the child to realize that they are able to influence the environment and provides the foundation for communicative intent.
Grid 3 is a communication software that is accessible via eye tracking. Both symbol based and text communication grids are available within the software.
2. Access to curriculum - Eye tracking technology allows learners who are unable to use their hands to write or access the curriculum to be able to access it. With practice, the learner may be able to use the eye tracking device to read material independently and answer questions. Learners have been known to complete university degrees through the use of eye tracking technology.
Kathryn Lemlar is a well know AAC activist who uses eye tracking technology in her university studies.
3. Interaction with environment and exercising control - Children learn best through play. Conventional play is often difficult for learners with profound physical disabilities. In addition to fun cause and effect and educational games that are available for use with eye tracker, environmental controls allow the learner to control toys, appliances and even change the TV channel. This prevents the learnt helplessness that is so prevalent among those with disabilities and gives the child a chance to interact with their environment and have a measure of independence.
Games such as Look2Learn teach the learner to control the eye tracker as well as encourage the learning of cause and effect.
4. Assessment of visual perception, visual discrimination and understanding - When paired with software such as Gaze Viewer, we are able to record what the user is able to see and whether they are able to follow instructions such as 'look at the red car.' This also gives us insight into what the learner able to identify and recognize the differences and likeness, determine position etc. There are many games available that are accessible through eye tracking that encourage the learner to practice these skills.
An example of a heat map on gaze viewer showing the gaze pattern of the user.
5. Physical health and comfort - For children with involuntary movement disorders such as Athetoid Cerebral Palsy, planned movements with hands or other extremities can trigger severe involuntary movements which can be fatiguing, painful or even injure the person. Use of eye muscles does not trigger this involuntary movement, so the long term physical health and well being of the child is improved. They are less fatigued by the use of eye muscles and thus can endure and participate in curriculum and communication tasks for longer periods.
While it is never too late to begin learning how to use eye tracking technology, it is beneficial for the child to begin practicing and using the device as soon as possible to ensure that they do not miss out on valuable learning opportunities that may impact their physical, emotional and psychological development.