ERIC Number: EJ1089353
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1941-1243
EISSN: N/A
An Evaluation Protocol for Selection of Educational Technologies for Students with Developmental Disabilities: A Demonstration Study Using iPad Apps
Arthanat, Sajay; Curtin, Christine; Kontak, David
Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools & Early Intervention, v8 n3 p236-255 2015
Mainstream technologies are widely being employed in inclusive and special education classrooms to accommodate the learning needs of students. As the evidence of their effectiveness evolves, educators and school-based therapists need tools and documentable strategies for their implementation. This research presents an evaluation protocol to guide the selection of technologies for special education needs and demonstrates its application with iPad-based learning applications for students with developmental disabilities (DD). The learning engagement of six students with DD was compared using a single-subject design when using a computer, an iPad app "chosen" through the protocol and a "random" app. A blinded reviewer observed and rated student engagement in all three learning conditions. Analysis of data indicated that three students engaged better in learning with the chosen app than with the computer and a popular random app. The engagement of five students declined when the random app was implemented. The protocol demonstrates merit in systematic selection of educational technology for students with DD.
Descriptors: Educational Technology, Technology Uses in Education, Developmental Disabilities, Handheld Devices, Telecommunications, Special Education, Comparative Analysis, Computer Uses in Education, Computer Oriented Programs, Learner Engagement, Teaching Methods, Observation, Early Adolescents, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Video Technology
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 4; Intermediate Grades; Elementary Education; Grade 5; Middle Schools; Grade 6; Grade 7; Junior High Schools; Secondary Education; Grade 8
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New Hampshire
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A