Features of iPad language applications for speech-language therapy with children

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master in Speech-Language PathologyBackground: Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) worldwide are using apps in their interventions. Despite this growing trend, there is limited literature on the use of apps for language intervention. Reports indicate that SLPs are selecting apps by word-of-mouth and popularity. One of the difficulties in evaluating apps is related to the lack of consensus about which features are important in an app when providing speech-language therapy to children. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the features of apps that SLPs regard as valuable for language intervention with children and how SLPs were using apps in their intervention. Method: The study employed an explanatory, sequential mixed-method approach using SLPs in 6 predominantly English-speaking countries. A self-developed online survey (N = 338) identifying the features of apps was distributed to SLPs who use apps. This was followed by a semi-structured interview with some participants (n = 16) in order to obtain further insights from the survey. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the survey results. Interview data were explored using thematic analysis. Findings: The findings show that SLPs view apps as an engaging and motivating tool for therapy to facilitate their intervention goals. The lack of guidelines to support SLPs in their selection of apps has contributed to the selection of apps based on popularity and word-of-mouth rather than feature matching. Findings showed that specific content and design features of apps may support effective intervention, however these features need to be carefully evaluated in terms of the underlying principles of language intervention, multimedia learning and learning. Features that may impede effective intervention must also be considered. In addition, the social and pragmatic aspects of communication must be contemplated when using apps. Conclusions: A feature-matching checklist was developed in order to assist SLPs select apps based on feature matching. The findings from the study highlight the need for SLPs to engage more deeply with the theory underlying multimedia learning so that this information can be used to contribute to evidence-based practice when using apps for intervention. This study, calls for SLPs to make a concerted effort to engage in research around apps and app use.MT201

The motivation of technological scenarios in augmented reality (AR): results of different experiments

Augmented Reality (AR) is an emergent technology that is acquiring more and more relevance in teaching every day. Together with mobile technology, this combination arises as one of the most effective binomials to support significant and ubiquitous learning. Nevertheless, this binomial can only prove valid if the student is motivated to use it during the learning process. An attempt was made through the implementation of Keller’s Instructional Material Motivational Survey model o determine the degree of motivation of Pedagogy, Medicine and Art students from the University of Seville for using AR-enriched notes available by means of mobile devices in the classroom. Three applications designed for the subjects of Educational Technology, Anatomy and Art served to assess it positively in terms of the motivation raised by the participation in the experiment, as well as regarding academic performance improvement. It can additionally be stated that our main finding was a link between students’ motivation to use the enriched notes and the performance obtained in the subject in which they use them. Evidence was also found that the utilization of Augmented Reality benefits the learning process

Mobile Technology Integration for Teaching EFL/ESL: What Teachers Need to Know

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Student experience of using mobile devices for learning chemistry

Mobile devices have been utilized as an emerging learning tool in the 21st century to support the learning of chemistry. This study aimed to identify matriculation students’ learning experience with regards to the use of mobile devices for learning chemistry. The study employed a qualitative case study approach, which was carried out in a matriculation college. Online diaries and interviews were utilized as the instruments of the study. A total of 84 students initially reflected their learning journey using an online diary, whereas 17 students who were active in mobile learning were purposely selected for the interview. The findings revealed that students have positive and negative experiences towards the use of mobile devices for learning chemistry. They positively perceived that using a mobile device for learning chemistry promotes knowledge construction, visualization of abstract concepts, self-control in learning and intellectual discourse. However, the issue of learning resources quality challenged their available cognitive capacity for learning chemistry. This study offered educators with insights about the importance of incorporating mobile devices for learning chemistry. Educators can plan the appropriate instructional strategies for chemistry based on the students’ learning needs

The Effect of Marker-less Augmented Reality on Task and Learning Performance

Augmented Reality (AR) technologies have evolved rapidly over the last years, particularly with regard to user interfaces, input devices, and cameras used in mobile devices for object and gesture recognition. While early AR systems relied on pre-defined trigger images or QR code markers, modern AR applications leverage machine learning techniques to identify objects in their physical environments. So far, only few empirical studies have investigated AR\u27s potential for supporting learning and task assistance using such marker-less AR. In order to address this research gap, we implemented an AR application (app)with the aim to analyze the effectiveness of marker-less AR applied in a mundane setting which can be used for on-the-job training and more formal educational settings. The results of our laboratory experiment show that while participants working with AR needed significantly more time to fulfill the given task, the participants who were supported by AR learned significantly more

Effects of an android app on mechanical engineering students

This paper describes the development and assessment of a Native Android App for learning concepts related with Mechanical Engineering. The designed App, called MaqTest, is an interactive, easy to use and portable tool. The proposed application has been programmed with Android Studio, and it is presented as an executable file accessible for smartphones and tablets. It allows the student to auto-evaluate the conceptual understandings, increasing their level of knowledge and enhancing their academic results. The app has been test with students of the 3rd course of Mechanical Engineering Degree in the subject “Mechanism and Machine Theory.” Comparative results before and after using the app are presented. The assessment results show that there has been a significant improvement

An Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Perceptually Controlled Immersive Environment for Learning Acupuncture

This paper presents a basic but functional Perceptual User Interface (PUI) controlled immersive environment (IE) on an electronic learning platform (e-Learning) in order to deliver educational material relating to the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol for acupuncture. The purpose of this study is set out a proposed process for evaluating the learning efficacy of the PUI IE e-Learning application when compared with a typical Graphical User Interface (GUI) e-Learning IE application. Both are to be compared to a more traditional learning method. This paper evaluates user interface (UI) sentiment of the systems in advance of this proposed evaluation