Effectiveness of Using iPads to Increase Academic Task Completion by Students with Autism

Horizon Research Publishing. 506 North Garfield Avenue #210, Alhambra, CA 91801. e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.hrpub.org

Y

8

Educational Technology; Technology Uses in Education; Autism; Pervasive Developmental Disorders; Handheld Devices; Special Education; Special Schools; Teaching Methods; Mathematics Instruction; Conventional Instruction; Comparative Analysis; Teacher Role; Intervention; Prompting; Student Behavior; Behavior Problems; Mathematics Skills; Early Adolescents; Questionnaires; Surveys; Access to Computers; Mathematics Achievement; Behavior Modification; Observation; Semi Structured Interviews; Self Disclosure (Individuals)

2332-3205

This single subject design study (ABAB) investigated the effects of using iPads in a classwide academic intervention to increase independent task completion and basic math skills of seven students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) enrolled in a special education school. The study also examined the advantages of and challenges to using iPads for classroom instruction. Traditional basic math instruction was used for the baseline phase, while a basic math skill app on an iPad was used for the intervention phase. Math probes were completed and the results recorded for four to five sessions for each of the four weeks of the study. Data on level of teacher prompting and presence of noncompliant behaviors were collected during every phase. Descriptive and visual analysis techniques were used to analyze the data. Findings expand current knowledge of the use of single subject design to document the effect of evidence-based practices in special education. Results were mixed for math skill development, but indicated an increase in independent task completion as demonstrated by a decrease in noncompliant behaviors and teacher prompt levels. Findings suggest iPads can be an effective instructional tool to enhance learning and independence. Contributions, limitations, and future research are presented.

As Provided

39

2015

EJ1053911