2 days Ago By Journal Online
Local researchers have developed a handwriting assessment tool, are looking to get more partners to conduct more tests across the country. The Intelligent Stroke Utilization, Learning, Assessment, and Testing (iSULAT) is an intelligent pen that provides a practical solution for assessing children’s handwriting to provide objective evaluation based on the most common handwriting tools, such as tests of Visual-motor skills, Minnesota handwriting assessment, and an evaluation tool for children’s handwriting. The iSULAT has a microcontroller within the pen, which transmits data to a mobile application.
The raw signal undergoes filtering, feature scaling, engineering data, and analyses before it is forwarded to the occupational therapist for diagnosis. Through the pen, the occupational therapist can efficiently assess one’s handwriting based on the alignment of letters, spacing, and consistency. A separate report mentioned that the number of handwriting problems in developing children reached an approximate 5 to 25 percent range.
Handwriting is still the most immediate form of graphic communication and failure to attain proficiency during the school-age year may result in far-reaching negative effects on both the academic success and self-esteem of a child. This project was funded by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), with a budget of PHP3.2 million for its initial phase.
“Yung mga ganitong invention, kailangan niyan ng testing. Hindi lang isa. Dapat tine-test siya ng mas marami para mas ma-check kung accurate or kung maganda na yung pine-perform ng prototype,” said Engr.
Jomel Herras, Project Manager of iSULAT. Engr. Herras added that his team is looking for more enthusiasts and partners who will help them promote iSULAT to gain more users from various locations.
The iSULAT is one of the technologies featured in the recently concluded 2024 National Science and Technology Week, held in Cagayan de Oro City from 26 November to 01 December 2024. According to DOST-PCHRD, standardized assessments of children with developmental delays are quite expensive and must be done with the aid of an occupational therapist or handwriting experts. The therapy usually runs from 20 minutes up to one hour.
“Basically ina-address na problem ni iSULAT is yung kakulangan natin ng occupational therapists at mahal na cost ng therapy,” said Engr. Herras. “Siguro yung pinaka rootproblem ay yung problema ng mga bata sa kanilang handwriting.
They do it in their everyday lives. Nagsusulat sila even in Math, Arts, and English subjects. Yung ibang mga bata, hindi sila enthusiastic kaya akala natin tamad lang sila magsulat.
” With the help of iSULAT, children with handwriting problems can undergo simultaneous testing in batches or groups. During phase I, the project team conducted pilot testing for children ages 6-10 in three sites across Luzon namely Villa Maria Elementary School in Porac, Pampanga; Juan Sumulong Elementary School in Metro Manila; and Bulacan Montesorri School Inc. in Bulacan.
Herras said that phase I of the project started in 2022 and ended last 31 October 2024. “Hopefully by 2026 ay mayroon nang phase II na kung saan ay maiaapply na natin ito hindi lang para sa mga bata,” Herras explained. He added that the project targets those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD and autism.
This year, the project team has secured a partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Metro Manila for future testing. By Claire Bernadette A. Mondares , DOST-STII.
