Acquisition of Basic Concepts by Children with Intellectual Disabilities Using a Computer-Assisted Learning Approach

Abstract

Computer-assisted learning can be an efficient learning-teaching procedure. Although there is an extensive educational software tradition for this approach, few have better performance than standard drill-and-practice methods. In this work, the specific software "Let's Play With..." was designed to teach concepts of colours, shapes, and body position to children with intellectual disabilities. The software structure follows the Gagné instructional design and applied behaviour analysis. The program was carried out with 39 boys and 21 girls who were special education students in the Cadiz School District. Statistically significant differences were found between groups taught with and without the software.

The Effect of Student-Directed Transition Planning With a Computer-Based Reading Support Program on the Self-Determination of Students With Disabilities

“…Moreover, that students with disabilities in this study differentially benefited from the use of technology to deliver the content in the WFA price is consistent with emerging research pertaining to universal design for learning and the use of technology to promote outcomes for students with cognitive disabilities (Wehmeyer, Smith, & Davies, 2006). It also supports the more general finings that computer-assisted learning provides clear advantages to students with disabilities (Alcalde, Navarro, Marchena, & Ruiz, 1998;BernardOpitz, Sriram, & Nakhoda-Sapuan, 2001;Blischak & Schlosser, 2003;Davies et al, 2003;Elder-Hinshaw & Manset-Williamson, 2006;Raskind & Higggins, 1995;.…”

ICT Framework for Supporting Applied Behavior Analysis in the Social Inclusion of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

“…This period was also characterized by the emergence of studies connected to augmented communication [ 62 ] and to the use of robotics [ 63 ]. In this regard, Alcade et al [ 64 ] observed that computer-assisted learning can be an efficient learning–teaching procedure for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. A specific software called “Let’s Play With…” was designed to teach the concepts of colors, shapes, and body positions.…”

Universal access through accessible computer educational programs to develop the reading skills of children with autistic spectrum disorders

“…The children with autism spent more time on reading material when they accessed it through a computer and were less resistant to the use of this technology in learning. Alcade et al [3] evaluated the effectiveness of the software ''Let's play with...'', an interactive multimedia program that teaches shapes, colours and concepts of body position to children with intellectual disabilities. The study was based on the principles of Gagne instructional design and applied behaviour analysis [3].…”

“…Alcade et al [3] evaluated the effectiveness of the software ''Let's play with...'', an interactive multimedia program that teaches shapes, colours and concepts of body position to children with intellectual disabilities. The study was based on the principles of Gagne instructional design and applied behaviour analysis [3]. One of the strengths of this study is that it examines the learning methods of children with intellectual disabilities.…”

“…There are several studies to date on teaching children with autism various aspects of social and educational skills. Robins et al [23] used robots in therapy and the education of children with autism, Alcade et al [3] used computers to teach concepts, and Baron-Cohen [6] used computer programs to teach emotions. However, not enough research is being conducted on the use of computer programs in teaching early reading skills to children with autism.…”