assistive technology: using switch-activated toys and devices for preschool children with motor...
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Assistive Technology:Using Switch-activated Toys and Devices for Preschool Children With Motor Impairments
An Instructional Module for Special Educators and School Support Staff
Jayne Omori
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Spring 2009
Background My first student with motor impairment Professional Development 12-week course Interest in learning and sharing Create Web-based resource
Specific to student needs Free and on-demand Eventually expand to parents
Relevant Research Special educators are left in a position to
make AT decisions in relative isolation (Marino, Marino, & Shaw, 2006).
Training and support influences confidence, and confidence can affect the level of ability in delivering instructional strategies that affect student learning (Moore & Wilcox, 2006).
What is switch-activated AT?
What is switch-activated AT?
Why switch-activated AT? Gain motor control at young age for
future independence (Besio, 2002). Vary toys, devices, and switches, and
“exploit” activities often (Ashton & Johnston, 2003).
Project Purpose
1. Design and evaluate the effectiveness of a Web-based instructional module for special educators, which focuses on switch-activated toys and devices for preschool students with motor impairments.
Project Purpose
2. Evaluate the effect the Web-based instructional module had in increasing special educators’ confidence to implement switch-activated toys and devices with their preschool students who have motor impairments.
Web-based Instructional Module
Data Collection: Survey MonkeyURL http://www.surveymonkey.com
Contents, Features, Links
Prototype Module Testing
Test Audience
8 participants from 3 elementary schools
13 students from UHM COE SpEd class
17 participants after elimination process
Pre- and Posttest Data
0
20
40
60
80
100
Learn & Play Cause & Effect Switches Toys & Devices Switch-Activation Positioning AT Preschool
Pre-test Post-test
17 17 17 17 1716 15 15
14 14 1413
10 9
100% Learn and Play for both pre/posttests 100% Switches, Toys & Devices, AT Preschool Large gains in Switch Activation & Positioning Small gains – insufficient, unclear information
More Quantitative Data
Attitudinal Survey (12 Likert Questions) Design, Understanding Content,
Confidence No strongly disagree 3 disagree in positioning question 2 disagree in graphics, cause/effect,
benefits of switch-activated AT
Qualitative Data
Attitudinal Survey - positives format and pictures were excellent “reflections helped bring it home” it didn’t require too much time to complete clear and concise very informative and helpful “Great introductory unit… but I was already
familiar with the concepts…”
Qualitative Data
Attitudinal Survey – considerations
not enough visuals
create a direct link back to module
Informal Conversations
Free access of the information they needed. Access the site in privacy of their own homes
and at their own time, place, and pace. Prefers this method of receiving information
as a busy teacher and mother of youngsters. Liked the interactivity and immediate
feedback the embedded tests provided. Enjoyed reading about my personal
experiences.
Summary
Design of this instructional module was effective and most participants gained information from its use.
Increased teachers’ confidence using switch-adapted toys and devices.
Future Implications
Refine module and surveys Based on data and feedback
Share module Parents, Island, State DOE
Create similar modules AT in other areas of disabilities
Subject Matter Experts
Questions?
Contact [email protected]
Final Comments
URL http://www2.hawaii.edu/~jhomori/SAT&D_index.html