The Effectiveness of School-Based Computer Language Intervention With Severely Handicapped Children

Abstract

Fifty-two severely handicapped children were trained on communication skills using microprocessor technology. A graduate student in Communication Disorders provided interactive supervision during the training. One-way analyses of covariance indicated positive effect for the additional computer language training when compared to regular classroom training alone. Effects were strongest on a direct criterion-referenced measure of the vocabulary taught. A cluster of more general language measures taken by the researchers, classroom teachers, and parents also indicated benefit to the computer enhancement condition. Additionally, the effect of this training was discernible on teacher and parent measures of social interaction skills.