Press Releases
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Al Renshaw
Quantum Simulations, Inc.
Phone: 1-800-577-9040
e-Mail: Al Renshaw
Mark Riccobono
National Federation of the Blind
Phone: 410-659-9314, ext. 2368
eMail: [email protected]
QUANTUM® CREATES WORLD'S FIRST ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE TUTORING SOFTWARE FOR BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED STUDENTS
Quantum Tutor for Science Certified
by the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Nonvisual Accessibility
Web Application Program
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - October 5,
2005, Quantum Simulations, Inc., a developer of artificial intelligence
(AI) tutoring and assessment software, has completed a six-month,
$100,000 research project funded by the National Eye Institute, a
division of the National Institutes of Health, to produce the first
and only tutoring software based on artificial intelligence for students
who are blind or visually impaired.
Quantum's AI tutoring program for chemistry
has been certified by the National Federation of the Blind's (NFB)
Nonvisual Accessibility Web Application Certification Program. Because
the Tutors are Internet-based and equipped with a unique dialogue-driven
tool that converses with students, the software is well-suited for
use with synthesized speech screen access technologies utilized by
individuals who are blind or visually impaired to navigate web sites
and access e-mail. This historical achievement marks the first-ever
artificial intelligence accessible Tutor for the visually impaired.
"Quantum Simulations has not simply
achieved accessibility, they have systematically built it into the
core of their tutoring technology," commented Dr. Marc Maurer, President
of the National Federation of the Blind. "In this way, they have created
a powerful learning tool for all students and, fortunately, Quantum®
realizes that 'all' includes students who are blind or low vision.
This inclusive and forward-thinking design strategy not only helped
Quantum® achieve Accessibility Certification, it helped them build
a better product that benefits a wider audience, which is business
innovation at its best."
"With additional funding from outstanding
agencies such as the National Eye Institute and the National Federation
of the Blind, our hope is to incorporate accessibility into the complete
line of Quantum Tutors® within two years," stated Dr. Benny Johnson,
President and CEO at Quantum®. "Equally important, the methodology
developed by Quantum® and our expert collaborators will have broad
impact on the potential to develop accessible software in other content
areas beyond math and science."
Just like working with a human tutor,
Quantum's tutoring software allows students to work on any problems
they choose, ask questions and receive personal guidance, hints and
feedback based on their own work and subject knowledge. Through the
use of patented artificial intelligence technology, the Quantum Tutors®
embody the proven teaching practices of Mr. Dale Holder, award-winning
master teacher with over 35 years of experience. As a result, classroom
research has shown that the Quantum Tutors® can improve test scores
by as much as 50%.
"It is tremendous to see a leading developer
of advanced educational software place such high importance on accessibility,"
said Jeff Dittel, President of Britlan Ltd. and collaborator on the
Quantum Tutor accessibility project. "It is common these days for
blind students to be diverted away from advanced science subjects
such as chemistry before they are even given a chance to try. The
Quantum Tutors® will soon provide the blind the opportunity to learn
science just like any other student."
To learn more about the NFB's web certification
program and company's who have been certified visit: www.nfb.org.
About Quantum®
Quantum Simulations, Inc. develops artificial intelligence (AI) tutoring,
assessment and professional development software that empowers teachers
and inspires students from middle school through college to improve
their knowledge and appreciation for the sciences. Teacher tested
and approved by educators across the United States, Quantum's AI software
is proven in research studies to improve comprehension, problem solving
skills and test scores by as much as 50%. Quantum's intelligent tutoring
engines are integrated with existing web-based learning products,
providing a strong competitive edge for distributing partners. A "technology
think tank," Quantum® is funded and supported by the U.S. Department
of Education, the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes
of Health. For a virtual demonstration of the Quantum Tutors®, visit
www.quantumsimulations.com/demo.
About the National Federation of
the Blind
With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind
is considered the largest and most influential membership organization
of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves blind people's
lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs
encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force
in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind.
In January 2004, the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind
Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the
United States for the blind led by the blind. For more information,
please visit www.nfb.org.
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