Fonetix: building virtual speech therapy practicum over the Internet

The purpose of this project is to create an advanced interactive speech therapy site that can be used over the World Wide Web (WWW). This multimedia site, which we have named Fonetix, includes animation of articulation, audio, and video display and capture. The main function of Fonetix is to augment the role a speech language pathologist can play while interacting with patients remotely over the Internet. High quality consultative services via the Internet means that all individuals, regardless of their locale, can have access to best possible service. Fonetix could allow a patient, no matter how remote they are, to have access to the services often only available in major centres. The basic research work into Fonetix has been completed and a functional model has been constructed that will run on any type of personal computer with standard audio and video cards, therefore avoiding expensive equipment requirements. The ultimate goal of the Fonetix system is to create a multi-functional framework that will allow meaningful interactions via the Internet in a variety of circumstances--including clinical, educational and social functions.