Assistive Technology and Literacy Learning: Reflections of Parents and Children

2005 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tara Jeffs ◽  
Michael Behrmann ◽  
Brenda Bannan-Ritland

Literacy is important not only to school success but is fundamental to skills needed to succeed in our rapidly changing technology-driven society. This article focuses on characteristics, interactions, and attitudes of parents and children related to their use of assistive technologies to build literacy skills. Interviews and observations involving parents and children using a variety of assistive technologies, along with a synthesis of research literature provide a framework for discussion. A contextual background for technology use by parents and children examines (a) specific learning characteristics of parents and children selecting and using assistive technology, (b) the impact of technology on their attitudes in the literacy process, and (c) areas of support needed by parents and students in literacy learning. Parents and children used a combination of technologies to meet specific individual learning needs. As a result, customization of the learning task through the use of technology occurred and in return provided enhanced opportunities for engagement and interaction to take place. Parents and children began to learn from each other and from the technology.

Author(s):  
Pamela M. Sullivan ◽  
Marianne Baker

In this chapter, the authors provide an overview of research literature for technology use with emergent-stage literacy learners. They review the overall research on technology for young children, then look at literacy and the role of technology in the classroom. The authors outline the development of literacy skills in the emergent stage (commonly defined as birth to age five). Finally, they use the framework established by the previous studies and the developmental sequence of the emergent stage to critically evaluate several literacy apps and e-books aimed at these learners. The authors finish with a selection of resources for selecting and using technology to foster these early literacy skills.


This chapter looks into horizontal issues in ICT advances and discusses how the factor of human performance could help in increasing the impact of eAccessibility and assistive technologies in the future. More specifically, it revisits some of the ideas presented in earlier chapters looking at them from a different angle. The one of maximizing the audience and target group for assistive technologies through the increase in human performance, issues related with exoskeletons for working environments and dual use of assistive technology, sports as a motivator, aesthetics and fashion of prosthetics are discussed from this same perspective. Human performance could be a critical factor for the future of assistive technologies, and today's people with disabilities could become tomorrow's people with super-abilities and leaders in human performance issues.


2021 ◽  
pp. 745-752
Author(s):  
Cynthia W. Moore ◽  
Greer J. Dent ◽  
Paula K. Rauch

This chapter reviews key issues of concern for parents with cancer, recognizing that addressing these parenting concerns as part of routine cancer treatment has the potential to alleviate an important source of patient distress. Research literature on the impact of parental cancer on children’s adjustment, and factors associated with better coping, is briefly reviewed. Practical suggestions are made for promoting open communication between parents and children about the parent’s illness and for supporting day-to-day family functioning, particularly when a parent’s prognosis is poor and survival time may be much shorter than hoped. Tables summarize child concerns common to each developmental stage and options for supports at each stage, communication strategies, and suggestions for preparing children for separations and hospital visits.


1996 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Hutinger ◽  
Joyce Johanson ◽  
Robert Stoneburner

Results are reported of a two-year case study that analyzed how assistive technology was used in educational programs for 14 children with multiple disabilities who had two to ten years experience with assistive technology. The authors employed a modified longitudinal approach to study assistive technology use, the effects of technology applications, and barriers to the achievement of the children's educational goals. Data collection procedures included direct observation, videotapes of children as they used assistive technologies, questionnaires, and interviews with teachers and parents. In spite of a number of barriers, by the end of the study the children were able to use technology tools to accomplish tasks previously not possible due to the severity of their disabilities. The greatest improvement occurred in the areas of social and emotional development. The implications for assistive technology use by children with multiple disabilities are discussed.


Author(s):  
Astuti Darmiyanti ◽  
Muhammad Taufik

Problem Statement: Development of literacy lists reading as the main literacy skill in the 21st century. Although society in general especially students are no longer illiterate, reading interest and reading literacy skills in Indonesia, based on PISA, OCED, and UNESCO, are still relatively low in terms of multi text study. For this reason, multi text-based learning is needed for improving the students’ literacy. Purpose: This study aims to describe how multi-text learning is taught to students to increase their interest in reading and literacy. Method: This research uses a qualitative research with literature study method. Data sources of this research are reference books and scientific journal articles that have relevance to the research. Results: Multi-literacy learning or also known as multiliteracy is one of the learning designs used in the context of  2013 curriculum. This concept is designed to meet the skills needed in the 21st century. Multiliteracy learning is created to connect 4 multiliteracy skills (reading, writing, spoken language, and, using IT). The stages of multi-text literacy learning cycle are as follows: 1) involving: 2) responding; 3) elaborating; 4) reviewing; 5) presenting. Conclusion: Multitext learning is still barely taught to students in Indonesia. Only 30% of students have multitext reading knowledge and skills. In fact, multitext learning can be used as an alternative solution to increase reading ability and interest. Multi-text learning needs to be supported by  teacher's skills namely creating interesting and adequate multitext materials and ensuring decent reading sources according to its age of  reader, as well as for parents, they have to be able to advise their children to choose multitext as the reading sources.  Keywords: Literacy; Multitext Learning; Reading   Abstrak Latar Belakang: Perkembangan literasi masih menempatkan membaca sebagai keterampilan utama litrasi sebagai keteramplan abad 21. Kendati para pelajar dan masyarakat pada umumnya sudah tidak lagi buta aksara, namun minat membaca dan kemampuan literasi membaca di Indonesia berdasarkan PISA, OCED, dan UNESCO masih terbilang rendah terutama jika dihadapkan pada kajian multiteks. Untu itu diperlukan pembelajaran berbasis multiteks bagi para siswa untuk meningkatkan kualitas literasi.  Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan mendeskripsikan bagaimana pembelajaran multiteks diajarkan kepada siswa sehingga mampu meningkatkan minat baca dan literasi siswa.  Metode: Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif dengan metode studi pustaka . Sumber data penelitian berupa buku-buku referensi dan artikel-artikel jurnal ilmiah yang memiliki relevansi dengan penelitian. Hasil: Pembelajaran mutiteks atau dikenal juga dengan multiliterasi merupakan salah satu desain pembelajaran yang  digunakan dalam konteks kurikulum 2013. Konsep ini dirancang untuk  menjawab kebutuhan keterampilan yang diperlukan di abad 21. Pembelajaran  multiliterasi didesain untuk mampu menghubungkan 4 keterampilan multiliterasi  (membaca, menulis, berbahasa lisan, dan ber-IT). Tahapan siklus pembelajaran literasi  dengan multiteks antara lain: 1) melibatkan; 2)merespon; 3) elaborasi; 4) meninjau ulang; 5) mempresentasikan. Kesimpulan: Pembelajaran multiteks masih sangat minim diajarkan kepada para siswa di Indonesia. Hanya 30% siswa yang memiliki pengtahuan dan keterampilan membaca multiteks. Pembelajaran multiteks dapat dijadikan solusi alternatif menumbuhkan kemampuan dan minat baca. Pembelajaran multiteks ini perlu ditunjang oleh  kemahiran guru  dalam  membuat  multiteks  yang  menarik  dan  bermutu,  keterjaminan  sumber  bacaan  yang berkualitas dan sesuai dengan usia pembaca, serta peran orang tua yang harus mampu mengarahkan anak-anak memilih sumber bacaan sebagai multiteks  Keywords: Literasi; Pembelajaran Multiteks; Membaca


Author(s):  
Pamela M. Sullivan ◽  
Marianne Baker

In this chapter, the authors provide an overview of research literature for technology use with emergent-stage literacy learners. They review the overall research on technology for young children, then look at literacy and the role of technology in the classroom. The authors outline the development of literacy skills in the emergent stage (commonly defined as birth to age five). Finally, they use the framework established by the previous studies and the developmental sequence of the emergent stage to critically evaluate several literacy apps and e-books aimed at these learners. The authors finish with a selection of resources for selecting and using technology to foster these early literacy skills.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vimal Sriram ◽  
Crispin Jenkinson ◽  
Michele Peters

Abstract Background Assistive Technology (AT) supports persons with dementia and their carers (family, friends and neighbours), yet little is known about experiences and the impact of AT on carers. We report on an exploratory survey that examined the types, uses, costs and impact of AT on carers as well as their quality of life. Methods A cross-sectional survey using the Carers Assistive Technology Experience Questionnaire collected data from carers in the UK, who used at least one AT in the previous year and provided more than 10 h of care for a person with dementia, living at home. Carers completed the questionnaire online or on paper and information on AT, socio-demographic details, and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) data were collected. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to report results and draw conclusions. Results Data from 201 carers was analysed. Smartphones and tablet computers were the most frequently used AT. AT were used predominantly for safety, communication, and reminders. Carers usually make decisions on buying and continued use of AT. Multiple AT devices were used in the care of persons with dementia and number of AT used was associated with perceived satisfaction. Satisfaction with AT was not related to age, living arrangements and relationship of carers. From the SF-12, Mean Physical Component Score was 49.19 (95%CI- 47.75 to 50.63) and Mental Component Score was 45.37 (95%CI- 43.93 to 46.80). Women, carers in the 46–65 age group and carers who were not extremely satisfied with AT had lower MCS scores. Carers who lived with the person with dementia and older carers had lower PCS scores. Conclusions Carers report that AT has a beneficial impact. Carers use multiple ATs, perceive AT to be satisfactory and recommend AT use to others. To support carers, we recommend establishment of centrally funded information sources and a loan store for AT. Further research on incremental addition of AT and changes to formal/paid care because of using AT should be undertaken. Practitioners, academics, manufactures and policy makers should consider the experiences of carers in research, development and use of AT to facilitate improved community living of people with dementia.


2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (04) ◽  
pp. 263-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley McCoy ◽  
David McNaughton ◽  
Janice Light ◽  
Susannah Boyle

AbstractParticipation in interactive reading activities can help children with language delays and disorders build important early language and literacy skills. Digital texts (i.e., books presented on tablets and computers) provide new opportunities for learning and supporting communication. Recently, researchers have investigated the use of digital texts that include visual scene displays (VSDs). In this approach, pictures on a tablet are programmed with “hotspots”; when the picture is touched, a word is spoken aloud. In addition, transition to literacy (T2L) features, including dynamic presentation of the text when a hotspot is activated, can be implemented with VSDs. This article provides a review of interactive reading interventions with children with language delays and disorders, and a discussion of the impact of using digital texts. We also describe the results of a pilot study intervention using digital texts including VSDs and T2L features with children with language delays in an inclusive preschool setting.


2017 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Jamwal ◽  
Libby Callaway ◽  
Jane Ackerl ◽  
Louise Farnworth ◽  
Di Winkler

Introduction People with severe acquired brain injury often require lifetime support, sometimes received from paid workers if living in shared supported accommodation. Electronic assistive technology may offer a less intrusive method of support that can enable autonomous participation and deliver cost savings. However, research on rates, barriers, and facilitators of electronic assistive technology uptake is lacking. This study aimed to identify electronic assistive technology types used by people with acquired brain injury living in shared supported accommodation, assess user satisfaction and psychosocial impact of electronic assistive technology, detail the impact of technology use on respondents’ participation and support needs, and describe barriers and/or facilitators to electronic assistive technology uptake and ongoing use. Method Participants were identified electronic assistive technology users with acquired brain injury living in shared supported accommodation in Australia ( N = 22). Mixed methods data were collected using semi-structured interviews and published measures of support need, electronic assistive technology satisfaction, and psychosocial impact. Results Participants reported satisfaction with the devices they used, and positive psychosocial outcomes. Areas impacted by electronic assistive technology, key facilitators and barriers to electronic assistive technology use, and implications for occupational therapists working to deliver electronic assistive technology solutions were identified. Conclusion Electronic assistive technology use by this group can positively influence both everyday functioning and participation. Skilled prescription and ongoing support services are necessary to maximise uptake and use.


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