ERIC Number: EJ999691
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1046-6819
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Exploring the Use of Active Electronic Support Tools by Students with Learning Disabilities
Crawford, Lindy; Higgins, Kristina N.; Freeman, Barbara
Learning Disabilities: A Multidisciplinary Journal, v18 n3 p135-144 Fall 2012
Computer-based instruction (CBI) programs have been implemented in classrooms for almost three decades. One advantage of CBI includes allowing the user to tailor instruction to their particular style of learning (Slavin & Lake, 2009). An essential part of individualizing CBI involves the students use of active electronic support tools, which may promote mathematical metacognition in the process of understanding mathematical concepts. This study included 19 sixth grade students who attended a school for students with learning disabilities and analyzes their use of active electronic support tools (e.g. hyperlinks, calculator) during their engagement in CBI. Specifically, students completed grade-level lessons in the Math Learning Companion (Freeman, 2010), an online supplemental mathematics curriculum developed for students in the later elementary and early secondary grades. The relationships between students use of active electronic support tools, gains between the pre and posttest, and achievement as measured by the Woodcock-Johnson Broad Math score and the Wechsler IQ scales were explored. A cross-case analysis was conducted on four students to provide insight into how they tailored the program to meet their individual needs. Findings indicate that students are using the active electronic support tools to individualize the program with the intent of maximizing their understanding of mathematical concepts. (Contains 3 tables and 1 figure.)
Descriptors: Learning Disabilities, Mathematics Curriculum, Metacognition, Secondary School Mathematics, Mathematical Concepts, Grade 6, Mathematics Instruction, Educational Technology, Special Schools, Calculators, Computer Uses in Education, Correlation, Teaching Methods, Pretests Posttests, Mathematics Achievement, Intelligence Tests, Scores, Middle School Students
Learning Disabilities Association of America. 4156 Library Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15234. Tel: 412-341-1515; Fax: 412-344-0224; e-mail: info@ldaamerica.org; Web site: http://www.ldaamerica.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 6; Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children; Woodcock Johnson Tests of Achievement
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: R324A090340
Author Affiliations: N/A