ERIC Number: EJ865601
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0162-6434
EISSN: N/A
Supported eText: Effects of Text-to-Speech on Access and Achievement for High School Students with Disabilities
Izzo, Margo Vreeburg; Yurick, Amanda; McArrell, Bianca
Journal of Special Education Technology, v24 n3 p9-20 2009
Students with disabilities often lack the skills required to access the general education curriculum and achieve success in school and postschool environments. Evidence suggests that using assistive technologies such as digital texts and translational supports enhances outcomes for these students (Anderson-Inman & Horney, 2007). The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of a text-to-speech screen reader program on the academic achievement of high school students with disabilities in an online transition curriculum emphasizing information literacy. The text-to-speech support was introduced and withdrawn in a reversal design across 10 curriculum units. Findings suggest that the text-to-speech support increased unit quiz and reading comprehension performance with large effect sizes. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Descriptors: Reading Comprehension, Academic Achievement, Disabilities, Effect Size, Information Literacy, Assistive Technology, High School Students, Special Education, Special Needs Students, Scaffolding (Teaching Technique), Program Descriptions, Reading Instruction, Educational Technology, Computer Assisted Instruction, Electronic Learning, Instructional Materials, Reading Materials, Audio Equipment, Access to Education, Academic Accommodations (Disabilities), Instructional Effectiveness, Curriculum Implementation, Secondary School Curriculum, Online Courses
Technology and Media Division of the Council for Exceptional Children. Available from: Boyd Printing Company, Inc. University of Oklahoma, College of Education, 820 Van Vleet Oval, Norman, OK 73072. Web site: http://www.tamcec.org/jset/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education; High Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A