Module 2 Journal Entry

 ·        While exploring and scanning, note at least three new terms you either have not heard before or have seen but do not really understand. Look up those words and provide a meaningful dialogue that explains the terms in the context of your research topic.

AAC – augmentative and alternative communication
BCI – brain-computer interfaces
EEG – electroencephalography
SGD – speech-generating devices
SMR – sensorimotor rhythm

There is a huge gap in my knowledge regarding Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, so I began with a helpful article titled: “Brain-Computer Interfaces for Augmentative and Alternative Communication: A Tutorial.” I figured that a tutorial was a great way to begin to get an introduction to some terms and concepts I am not familiar with.  All the terms listed above are from this article.

When I think of brain-computer interfaces (BCI), I have a vision of a device that belongs in the realm of science fiction where an individual has a device surgically implanted into their brain that can read our mind and translate our thoughts through words or pictures on a computer screen or another speech-generating device (SGD). According to Brumberg et al. (2018), “BCIs for communication have the potential to completely replace the human vocal tract for individuals with severe speech and physical,” but are at this point not able to read minds.

What I have learned is that most non-invasive BCIs are less science fiction, but more primitive such as the P300 grid speller.  The P300 grid speller uses visual stimuli and electroencephalography (EEG) readings to pinpoint the individual’s focus on a 6x6 grid containing letters and numbers in order to communicate. I have also learned that this is not considered a fast way to communicate.  A healthy individual (as opposed to someone with locked-in syndrome or even amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)) that uses a P300 speller with eye movement combined with EEG readings have a selection rating that varies from 4.3-19.4 letters per minute (Brumberg et al., 2018).  The selection rate goes slower for depending on how much control the individual has on his/her eye movement. For individuals that do not have the capability to use eye movements, but do have some form of motor movement in their limb(s) use sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) signals to make their selections on a P300 speller.

There are plenty of terms and concepts I have yet to gather and learn about in regard to other AAC devices. I look forward to expanding my knowledge in the realm of adaptive speech technology.

References:

Brumberg, J. S., Pitt, K. M., Mantie-Kozlowski, A., & Burnison, J. D. (2018). Brain–Computer Interfaces for Augmentative and Alternative Communication: A Tutorial. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 27(1), 1–12.