Selecting Software for Students Selecting Software for Students With Learning DisabilitiesWith Learning Disabilities

Jayme Johnson, ACT Instructor

High Tech Center Training Unit

November 14, 2008

OverviewOverview

Purpose of the resource History of the project Status of the project How to use the resource Future of the project and resource

Purpose of the ProjectPurpose of the Project

Assist Learning Disability Specialists in the evaluation of educational software

Create an instructional resource Not a software catalog or "cookbook“ Electronic and printable versions:

http://www.htctu.net/trainings/manuals/tutorials/ldsoft/document/main.htm

History of the ProjectHistory of the Project

1987: Standardized assessment practices adopted by CCC system

1989: CARS system goes online 1993: 1st Version of SSLD released 1995-2003: Massive development and

evolution of computing technology 2005: Revision of SSLD put on hold 2007: A new team takes on SSLD

project

The TeamThe Team

Marcia KrullSue NortonLinda ReitherPatti Flores CharterTherese Hukill-DeRockChristine TunstallMary HuntMary StephensKristina De La Cerda

Project History: The ProcessProject History: The Process

Testing instrument and deficit updates. Resumed the review of previously secured

software- each individual with a specific deficit area to focus on.

Sought new software- primarily limited to existing software known to be useful.

Compiled evaluations, selected appropriate titles for each deficit.

Day in the life of an LD SpecialistDay in the life of an LD Specialist

Detective Social Worker Cognitive Scientist Clinical Practitioner

Detective/Social WorkerDetective/Social Worker

Sizing up the student Exploring potential lifestyle issues Looking for inconsistencies Potential problems not LD-related

Cognitive ScientistCognitive Scientist

Determine appropriate testing instruments

Correlate the results Conclusively determine deficit areas

Clinical PractitionerClinical Practitioner

Based on testing and interview results:

Determine likely problem areas Identify general instructional goals Isolate discreet characteristics of

software Formulate a plan Work it!

Deficits - Cognitive:Deficits - Cognitive:

Long Term Retrieval Short Term Memory & Recall Processing Speed Visual-Spatial Thinking and Perceptual

Organization Knowledge and Verbal Comprehension Fluid Reasoning and Abstract Reasoning Auditory Processing and Phonemic

Awareness

Deficits - AchievementDeficits - Achievement

Basic Reading Skills Reading Comprehension & Fluency Basic Mathematics Skills Mathematics Reasoning Basic Writing Skills Written Expression Phoneme/Grapheme Knowledge Oral Language

General Considerations for UseGeneral Considerations for Use

Each student is unique context Varying depth of reviews by needs Student-based reviews Software-based reviews Archive of reviews

How to Use the GuideHow to Use the Guide

ID Deficits Document General Needs ID Specific Characteristics ID Instructional Goal ID Key Characteristics of Software Review Software Form a Plan

Using the GuideUsing the Guide

Software Evaluation Methodology Organization Systematic Consistency

Software Evaluation - MethodologySoftware Evaluation - Methodology

Diversity of culture and ethnic concerns?

Effective sequencing? Clear and relevant feedback? Variety of presentation styles? User-centered control of software and

exercises? Relevant and age-appropriate

content?

Software Evaluation - OrganizationSoftware Evaluation - Organization

Clearly defined set of goals and objectives?

Broad or focused module topics? Flexible organization structure? Robust data collection mechanism? Clear and easily understood help

files? Printed documentation as well as

electronic?

Identify Deficits through TestingIdentify Deficits through Testing

Woodcock Johnson III WIAT II WAIS Degrees of Reading Power WRAT 3 CARS (Computer Assisted Record-

keeping Scoring)

Document a Hierarchical Plan or Document a Hierarchical Plan or Needs AssessmentNeeds Assessment

List general areas of concern List specific test scores of concern Notice any trends or anomalies

between similar or disparate deficits Create prioritized list of concerns

organized by deficit area

Identify Specific Characteristics Identify Specific Characteristics of Each Deficitof Each Deficit

Using previously generated list of concerns:

Review each deficit areaVerify match between test # and deficitConsider student behavior in comparison to typical characteristics of each deficit

Identify Learning Goal for Each Identify Learning Goal for Each DeficitDeficit

After successfully identifying deficits:

Find the specific learning goal for each deficit

List learning goal as a topic heading Compile complete list of all applicable

learning goals

Identify Key Characteristics of Identify Key Characteristics of Effective SoftwareEffective Software

After identifying deficits and listing learning goals:

Identify the specific software characteristics for each deficitCreate an evaluation matrix with specific deficits and software characteristicsInclude the general characteristics of organization and methodology

Review Available SoftwareReview Available Software

With evaluation matrix:

Review each potential software title, looking for examples that support or detract from the learning goal.

Make note of any specific issues that may help or hinder student.

Identify specific activities and exercises that may be useful for a deficit or learning goal.

Consider Purchase or Trial of Consider Purchase or Trial of Additional SoftwareAdditional Software

If you review all of your available software and don’t find anything potentially useful:

Consider purchasing recommended software (or a trial demo)Consider networking options to further your research.

Formulate a PlanFormulate a Plan

Formulate a plan for student with appropriate software and lesson strategies.

Include instructor interaction and periodic re-evaluation.

Process ReviewProcess Review

Summary:

Understand common design characteristics of effective educational software

Understand the nature of different learning disabilities

Synthesize traits of specific deficits with characteristics of different programs into an educational plan for student

Not a cookbook or catalog of latest greatest LD Software

Future of the ProjectFuture of the Project

Evolution to a more powerful electronic format that will facilitate greater participation

Revisions to respond to updates in the testing instruments and new software releases

Create an environment for new LD Specialists to network and grow professionally

Create an opportunity for LD Specialists to share their expertise without a huge time commitment

Questions?Questions?