This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of video prompting and picture prompting when used as antecedents for teaching daily living skills to two adolescents with autism. Participants were taught two different skills, and the effects of the instructional conditions were compared and evaluated using an adapted alternating-treatments design. The results can be interpreted to conclude that video prompting was slightly more effective in terms of independent correct responding, fewer external prompts for task completion, and fewer prompts to use instructional materials. In addition, when efficiency scores were calculated by considering the ratio of each participant’s growth (from pretest to posttest) to the measured “cost” of minutes required to create instructional materials, video prompting was considerably more efficient than picture prompting.
The purpose of this study was to compare mobile technologies with universally-designed prompting systems to improve the independent vocational performance of four adolescents with ASD and/or ID in school-based employment settings. Specific aims were to (1) compare the effectiveness of universally-designed prompting systems presented on iPads and HP Slates that involved participant-selection and participant-fading of available on-screen media prompts; (2) compare the usability of different mobile devices; and (3) determine if built-in decision prompts could improve problem-solving behavior during task completion. Results indicated that both devices resulted in immediate and substantial increases in independent responding for three of the four participants. All participants performed better with their preferred device and all self-faded reliance on instructional prompts as skill acquisition increased.
Students with disabilities are guaranteed access to assitive technologies (AT) by provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) (2004) and its predecessor, the Technology Related Assistance Act (Tech Act) (1988). Design and development of AT, including devices and software programs, has burgeoned to a point where availability and affordability are no longer barriers to access in schools. However, research has reported that lack of teacher expertise continues to be a significant barrier to effective access to AT and that models and strategies for improving teacher expertise are desperately needed. This study involved evaluation of preservice teachers' knowledge of, and comfort with, using AT and integrating a prototype computer-based DVD—Encyclopedia of Assisitive Technology (EAT)— into instruction. The EAT includes innovative video based tutorials that guide viewers through the operation of AT devices and software programs. Results of pre- and post-measures indicated significant increases in comfort with AT following use of the EAT, and the results of the study, as well as teacher candidates' satisfaction with the video based tutorials, suggest it is a viable model for enhancing teacher expertise with AT.
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