Effects of music technology on language comprehension and self-control in children with developmental delays

Abstract

This study explores musical technology widely used in special music education. Holistic music educational approach for young children (HMEAYC) is a two-decades-old innovative and local education model that combines modern science and technology, multi-sensory equipment, and traditional instruments with creative music in young children of the learning field in Taiwan. The educational benefits of HMEAYC with music technology for young children’s learning are increasingly well-documented. The opportunity to experience these benefits should be available to children in preschool education and special music education settings. Thus, we assessed the efficacy of music technology on the growth of language comprehension (LC) and self-control (SC), particularly investigating its effects on young children with developmental delays. The study examined the impact of LC and SC of music technology on young children with developmental delays. We conducted our research in one non-profit early intervention center using a pre-/post-test control group (CG) quasi-experimental research design. Teachers of the experimental group (EG) and CG used the method of the HMEAYC curriculum in the same research process. A qualitative approach was embedded in pre-/post-test CG to learn more about participants’ experiences when they accepted the intervention of music technology. Music technology was applied to EG, while CG was not provided any intervention related to equipment. EG included 252 students (64.8%) in total: 98 girls (38.9%) and 154 boys (61.1%). CG had 137 students (35.2%) in total: 65 girls (47.4%) and 72 boys (52.6%). An early childhood behavior evaluation system was used to collect quantitative information. At the same time, pre-tests were given to EG and CG participants before the practical intervention, and post-tests were given after the curriculum was finalized. The results indicated that EG’s LC and SC improved significantly compared to CG participants. The analyses of qualitative statistical findings provided positive changes that incorporating technology contributes to evidence in LC and enhanced SC among and between participants. The findings of this music technology study show that learning behavior of young children with developmental delays significantly improves with the inclusion of technology. Our findings match the results of previous studies. Consequently, the development of the research makes acceptable assumptions that implementing music technology in the educational learning environment will enable young children with developmental delays to integrate into the field of school education more positively and actively.