Enhancing Learing With the Use of Assistive Technology for Children on the Autism Spectrum
Graduation Date
Spring 2012
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program Name
Education
Program Director
Madeliene Peters, EdD
Abstract
This goal of this study is to understand the effective learning of the iPad and the use of the system to assist elementary-age students with learning. The research literature promotes different types of assistive technology used for learning and suggests a few applications to use for the iPad.
Four students with autism learned to use an iPad tablet to learn phonics. An empirical approach was used via teacher action research by collecting observation data on students. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of using the iPad in teaching language arts.
The data indicated that all participants began learning more independently after the iPad was introduced. Their performance in communicating and in recognition and identification of letters became apparent. These results are presented in the context of how effective the iPad can aid students who are on the Autism Spectrum.