ERIC Number: ED383145
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1995-Mar
Pages: 14
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
On the Effect of Multimedia Computer Programs: Gains Made by Children with Autism in Reading, Motivation, and Communication Skills.
Heimann, Mikael; And Others
An interactive multimedia program to facilitate the acquisition of reading, writing, and overall communication skills in children with significant language delays was developed and evaluated in Sweden with two studies. Participating in the first study were 11 children (ages 6 to 13) with autism, 9 children (mean age 13) with mixed disabilities, and 10 normal pre-school children (mean age 6). The software used (Alpha Interactive Language Series/Gator Super Sentences) was constructed to facilitate language learning through multichannel feedback (voice, animation, and video). In the second study, 11 children (ages 4 to 11) with autism used a Swedish version of the software, DeltaMessages. This software allows for adjustment to individual learning needs and the combining of various language modes. Both studies unambiguously demonstrated that an interactive microcomputer learning environment facilitated language learning for children with autism. Verbal exchanges and positive feelings related to the learning situation were also observed. (DB)
Descriptors: Autism, Communication Skills, Computer Assisted Instruction, Educational Media, Educational Technology, Elementary Secondary Education, Foreign Countries, Instructional Material Evaluation, Interactive Video, Language Acquisition, Language Impairments, Media Adaptation, Multimedia Instruction
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Swedish Council for Social Science Research, Stockholm.
Authoring Institution: Gothenburg Univ. (Sweden). Dept. of Psychology.
Identifiers - Location: Sweden
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A