Biography

Tammy's research is focused on the enhancement of classroom settings by undertaking research that will create and incorporate new interactive multimedia aimed at supporting learning efficiency, cognition, and communication, particularly for young adults with various learning disabilities or neurological disorders.

For her Masters's degree, Tammy plans to use a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) as a method of rehabilitation/intervention. The proposed project “We-Companion” entails the development of a VLE using a Multi-Media Interactive Blackboard for high school students who have been identified as individuals requiring some form of rehabilitation therapy. Participation in We-Companion will enable social interaction and support the development of social competence for participation in both natural and virtual scenarios. The envisioned system integrates: 1) a virtual social area that promotes appropriate relationship interactions for students identified with a learning disability, with 2) a curriculum of academic and daily living activities for developing social competence, both in the classroom, work and home environment. The approach to treatment would be derived through the use of a multi-touch, multi -user social skills training program. One example of a program could be the development of conversational skills and its impact on the outcomes of a specific social situation, such as a job interview. Using a VLE to simulate an appropriate environment such as an office, the young adult could actively participate in the “job interview” lesson, which would promote the appropriate socialization to that specific context.

Tammy holds a BSc (honours) from Trent University.