Team

Speech-language pathologists and language teachers working with foreign-born language learners recognize how difficult it can be to learn the prosodic features of American English. TEAM (Technology Enhanced Accent Modification) is an instructional approach to accent modification that uses computerized displays and feedback to enable non-native speakers of English to see as well as hear the features of their accent that make their English speech difficult to understand. They can see features such as monotone, excessive rate, inappropriate syllable stress, deletion of sounds or syllables, or misarticulation of certain sounds. By comparing displays of their utterances with displays of model utterances containing the appropriate feature, they can see the discrepancies and practice until their version matches the model.

TEAM has six components: software for the retrieval, display, and playback of model utterances of speech features for your clients; a 37-item computer-based Accent Survey that assists in identifying features of accent that need to be modified; a curriculum that addresses the 15 features of speech that make accents most difficult to understand; an instructional methodology designed to enable your client to assume control for monitoring as well as modifying his/her accent; a database of 3600 (1800 male and 1800 female) model utterances; and a reference manual describing the operation of the program. Extensive online assistance is provided to assist you in answering questions about program operation and instructional techniques.

Providing numerous highlights, the TEAM program:
* takes advantage of the features of multimedia to enable clients to see as well as hear what they are learning. (Engaging!)
* has been field-tested with over 150 clients over a period of 12 months to determine its instructional effectiveness and operating reliability. (Effective!)
* operates on personal computers using sound cards, speakers, and microphones that are widely available and affordable. (Affordable and accessible!)
* has a Windows user interface that is easy to learn and logical to operate. (User friendly!)
* contains a curriculum that emphasizes prosody in addition to articulation. (Curriculum-based!)
* uses a client/clinician feedback interaction that shows clients how to monitor as well as modify their speech. (Built-in teaching methodology!)
* has a database of digitized audio recordings (1,600 male and 1,600 female) to be used as models of different features of accent. (Built-in model utterances!)
* contains a criterion referenced Accent Survey that enables you to assess the client's skill at using different features of accents. The Accent Survey, which is used to assess performance before and after instruction, provides information to document instructional effectiveness. (Built-in assessment!)
* has record keeping functions that enable you to track a client's progress. (Accountability!)
* has extensive online documentation about the curriculum, teaching procedures, and help for installing and operating the software. (Online assistance!)

TEAM operates on a personal computer using Windows. The minimum configuration needed to operate TEAM is:
* an MS-DOS Compatible 486 computer operating at least 50 to 66 MHz
* 8 megabytes of memory (RAM)
* a SoundBlaster 16 or SoundBlaster AWE32 Sound Card
* a Compact Disc Player
* an SVGA color monitor
* a high quality microphone with amplifier
* high quality audio speakers
* a mouse pointing device
* Microsoft Windows 3.1, Windows 95, or Windows 98