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Galludet wins large NSF grant to study learning

National Science of Learning center would foster understanding of how we learn, through a range of scientific disciplines from biology to linguistics.
Written by ZDNET Editors, Contributor

A $3.5 million grant has been awarded to Gallaudet University to develop a National Science of Learning center devoted to researching visual language and learning, reports Campus Technology.

The National Science Foundation grant money, given out over a two-year time period, will be used to fund the Science of Learning Center on Visual Language and Visual Learning (VL2).

The purpose of VL2 is to gain a greater understanding of the biological, cognitive, linguistic, socio-cultural and pedagogical conditions that influence the acquisition of language and knowledge through the visual modality.

If the project shows results, NSF will contribute funding for an additional three years at $4 million per year. The total funding for VL2 could be $35.5 million over the next 10 years.

"This is a hugely significant grant, not only for Gallaudet University, but for the entire field of learning scientists, especially those who seek to understand processes of learning for visual learners," said VL2 director Thomas Allen, who is dean of the Graduate School and Professional Programs.

"Not only does VL2 have the potential to transform the science of learning, it will bring deaf researchers into the mainstream of scientific thought about learning and cognition, and, it will bring many esteemed hearing and deaf scholars to campus to interact with our community."

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