Hands on: Computer experience and the child with special educational needs

Abstract

Dolores Loughrey takes a refreshing look at the use of computers in special educational settings. Many of her arguments have been deployed before but it is encouraging to have further confirmation of those beliefs. The use of computer technology still has a long way to go and is far from being a standard tool of special needs educators. Perhaps the sense of fun and excitement that creeps into this article will entice others into this area.

Effects of ICT group work on interactions and social acceptance of a primary pupil with Asperger's Syndrome

“…Computer-centred group work can offer a suitable environment: while children may engage in verbal and non-verbal tasks, the computer provides a third party focus which may alleviate pressure on the child with ASD to interact directly with peers. Gross (1996) and Loughrey (1991) conducted studies of children with special educational needs (SEN) which found that being involved in collaborative work increased the status of a child with SEN providing that they played a key role in a special project in which they could be successful. Loughrey (ibid.,p.…”