VoiceXML-Applications for E-Commerce and E-Learning

VoiceXML1 is a language of the W3C2 to create voice-user interfaces, particularly for the telephone. It uses speech recognition and touchtone (DTMF keypad) for input, and pre-recorded audio and text-to-speech synthesis (TTS) for output. The text-to-speech synthesis feature of advanced VoiceXML tools like WebSphere3 opens new perspectives for e-commerce and e-learning. We are no longer restricted to pre-recorded audio but can bring any text to the ear of the user - a user that could be visually impaired and needs a voice channel to communicate - or a user who can read but who prefers to listen. Real-time VoiceXML-applications have been implemented by the authors to support e-commerce (selection of commodities from catalogues) and user guides for mobile phones. The applications are prototypes for various areas. New contributions to e-learning are considered.