Teaching Students With a Mild Intellectual Disability to Respond to Strangers Using Computer-Based Video Instruction

Abstract

Computer-based video instruction (CBVI) has been effective in teaching students with disabilities various health, community, and safety skills. Research suggests that CBVI is often used in conjunction with community-based instruction (CBI). Frequently, students with severe disabilities or students who are of high school age participate in CBI and/or CBVI and its accompanying research. This study investigated the effectiveness of CBVI to teach students with a mild ID, ages 11–13, appropriate responses to lures from strangers. A single-case, multiple probe across participants design was used to examine the impact of CBVI on one dependent variable, a correct two-step response (verbal and motor) to a lure from a stranger. The two-step response was adapted from the Akmanoglu & Tekin-Iftar (2011) study investigating responses to strangers. Data indicated that CBVI had a positive impact on all four participants. Participants also maintained the skill (up to 5 weeks) and generalized to a novel setting. Parents and teachers involved in the study also reported positive opinions regarding the aim and outcomes of the study. Implications for practice and for future research are provided.