Behavior analytic technologies mediated via augmented reality for autism: A systematic review

This review synthesizes the literature base evaluating the effects of behavior analytic interventions delivered via augmented reality (AR) technology for individuals with autism. We also conducted a quality review. We identified 14 studies with a majority of the studies (n = 11; 79%) utilizing single-case research design. Of the 14 studies, three met the quality criteria to be classified as “strong” and can offer evidence on the integration of AR technology into the practice of behavior analysis. All three studies taught a functional skill (i.e., tooth brushing and navigation). The remaining studies focused on skill acquisition with zero studies utilizing AR within the context of behavior assessment or behavior reduction interventions. This literature base is emerging with additional research required.

Teaching methods applied in higher education during C0VID-19 pandemic in Africa

The outbreak of COVID has imposed a lot of challenges globally to effective teaching since the first COVID 19 pandemic in Africa. In 2020, different African countries have witnessed a drastic change in economic, social and political sphere of life. In order to avoid further spread of COVID-19 and with strict preventive measures, physical contact teaching was cancelled until further notice. The suspension of physical classes at the universities has brought unique challenges to students and educators in the process of delivering contents of the curriculum and achieving value in the education sector across Africa. Our empirical research aimed at finding out the effective teaching methods adopted by higher educational institutions during COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa. The study employed qualitative study design rooted in a descriptive case study, semi structured interview was used to collect data from ten lecturers from seven countries in Africa. The study found greater satisfaction with teaching and learning methods used in African universities. However, both adaptation and application of new teaching methods in higher learning institutions in Africa are still facing various challenges. Throughout this study, we recommend that each university should invest in technologies and research, consistent internet availability, training and skill acquisition in computer operation.

The Problem Solver: A Behavioral Intervention for Teaching Problem Solving to High-Functioning Students With Autism

Problem-solving is a skill of fundamental importance for populations with developmental delays, and especially for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Training students with ASD to solve ill-defined problems is a challenging objective for educational and therapeutic teams. This is due to the myriad of unpredictable situations presented during the school day and the various responses, socially appropriate or inappropriate, that may be emitted to solve one's problem. The purpose of this paper is to present a systematic clinical behavioral program named the Problem Solver (PS) specifically designed to teach problem-solving to high-functioning students with ASD. The authors detail the three stages of the PS program (i.e., determining a set of problems and solutions for each student, skill acquisition and practice, and implementation of whole-class token economy). The authors conclude with recommendations for successful implementation in school settings.

Skill reconsolidation does not operate at a rapid micro-timescale level

Abundant evidence shows that consolidated memories are susceptible to modifications following their reactivation through reconsolidation. Processes of memory consolidation and reconsolidation have been commonly documented after hours or days. Motivated by studies showing rapid consolidation in early stages of skill acquisition, here we asked whether skill memories are susceptible to modifications through rapid reconsolidation, even at initial stages of learning. In a set of experiments, we collected crowdsourced online motor sequence data to test whether post-reactivation interference and enhancement occur through rapid reconsolidation. Results indicate that memories forming during early learning are not susceptible to interference nor to enhancement within a rapid reconsolidation time window, relative to control conditions. This set of evidence suggests that memory reconsolidation might be dependent on consolidation at the macro-timescale level, requiring hours or days to occur.

Ovine Endoscopic Ear Surgery - Accessible Smartphone-Based Training Model

Background: Understanding middle ear anatomy, in addition to endoscopic surgical skill acquisition, is an arduous task. Mastering 3-dimensional conceptualization and surgical dexterity may take many years. The coronavirus pandemic has made training difficult and complicated due to social distancing and risk of aerosolized viral spread in cadaver dissection. In this study we suggest a smartphone-based endoscope ovine head cadaveric dissection which is a simple, safe, and affordable training model for residents as an initial step in otologic endoscopic surgery training.Methods: A stepwise depiction of endoscopic ovine middle ear surgery; from cadaver and equipment acquisition, setting preparation, to surgical explanation and procedural steps. Results: The smartphone-based endoscopic otological ovine dissection model provides a low-cost, easily accessible and easily deployable training model for the novice surgeon world-wide. This model permits the novice surgeon a comprehensive anatomical understanding, middle ear proprioception, as well as a "safe" practicing model for diverse middle ear procedures. Conclusions: The ovine cadaver otological smartphone-based endoscopic surgery training model is an affordable, easy, reproducible, and transportable model, which makes it an ideal model from implementation in both low-middle and high-income countries.

The Effect of Using Simulation Strategy in Developing English as a Foreign Language Speaking Skill

Speaking skill acquisition is a necessity for communication. However, speaking English as a foreign language is not as easy as speaking English as a first language since practice opportunities are limited. This study tried to find out a technique of reinforcement that can help students; who study English as a foreign language; develop their speaking skills. This study investigated the effect of using simulation strategy in developing EFL speaking skills, with the assistance of using a telegram channel "Oxford Bookworms Collection" for PDF books with an audio version, to stimulate pronunciation, intonation and enrich vocabulary. The researchers used a quantitative approach with an experimental design to conduct this study by involving 50 students divided into two groups. 25 students as a control group and 25 students as an experimental group; both groups were from level 3 who were learning Listening and Speaking-3 course, major English, at College of Science and Arts (Muhayil), King Khalid University. Pretest and posttest were used to collect data, results of the tests were analyzed using SPSS, Pearson correlation coefficient. The results revealed that using the simulation strategy helped the students of the experimental group to develop speaking skills and affected speaking micro-skills in terms of body language, fluency, pronunciation, intonation, grammar, and vocabulary usage positively. Moreover, students became motivated to speak spontaneously.

Skill Acquisition

The purpose of the study was to examine the extent to which skill acquisition would influence economic development in Nigeria. The descriptive research design of the survey type was adopted in the study. The population of this study comprised all the students of government technical colleges in Southwest Nigeria. The reliability of the instrument was estimated using Chronbach's Alpha reliability method. The data collected for this study was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The result of the study revealed that skill acquisition program has a positive and significant effect on the ability of students of technical colleges in Southwest Nigeria to be self-reliant at graduation; skill acquisition program has a positive and significant effect on the ability of students of technical colleges in Southwest Nigeria to produce goods for local consumption. It was also recommended based on the study that the various government parastatals should review, standardize, and expand the curricula of all skill acquisition schemes in Nigeria among others.

Providing Validity Evidence for Ignite by Hatch

The authors of this study seek to provide practitioners with evidence to support the instructional value of Ignite by Hatch, a digital learning game designed for preschool children. Analyses were conducted using the entire population of three- and four-year-old children who used Ignite during the 2020-2021 academic year (n = 29,417) and included the use of descriptive statistics to explore patterns of growth and the Rasch measurement model to explore item difficulty. This chapter also features a preliminary crosswalk establishing the alignment between the domains, subdomains, and games presented within the Ignite game environment and the learning goals provided by the North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development framework. Results suggest strong preliminary evidence in support of the instructional value of Ignite by Hatch. Further research is recommended to understand how knowledge and skill acquisition within the game environment translate to developmental growth outside of the gaming environment.

Examining Preference Heterogeneity in Best-Worst Scaling: Case of Preferences for Job Opportunities in Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) Communities in Indonesia

This research empirically examines the preferences for job-related attributes among rural villagers living close to artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Indonesia. Based on hypothetical scenarios in which a private company collaborates with the local government to establish a food processing industry in these villages, a questionnaire survey designed with best–worst scaling (BWS) was administered to households to determine their preferences. Additionally, the heterogeneity among the villagers was examined by applying a latent class logit (LCL) model. The main household survey was conducted in 2019 in Bone Bolango Regency, Gorontalo Province. The estimation results revealed that villagers are separated into four classes, and each class has different and unique preferences. Creating more job opportunities for society is a highly evaluated attribute; however, the preference for skill acquisition differs among groups. The results indicate that accounting for heterogeneous preferences regarding job opportunities is helpful to delink dependency on ASGM and health hazards and improve the livelihoods of rural villagers. The study yields key information to substantially reduce environmental and health hazards in the poverty-plagued ASGM community by facilitating job opportunities in Indonesia.