The effects of computer-assisted versus teacher-directed instruction on the multiplication performance of elementary students with learning disabilities

Evaluating the generalization of math fact fluency gains across paper and computer performance modalities

Computer-based interventions are being used more in the classroom. Student responses to these interventions often contribute to decisions making regarding important outcomes. It is important to understand the effect of these interventions within the context of the intervention as well as across related context. The current study examined the generalization of math fact fluency gains resulting from a computer-based intervention to paper-and-pencil performance. A total of 31 second grade students completed fluency drills on the computer or with paper and pencil. Pretest-posttest performance on both computer and paper and pencil for all students was evaluated using a doubly multivariate repeated measure ANOVA. Results indicated that gains achieved on the computer did not generalize to paper-and-pencil performance.

The effects of computer-assisted instruction on number combination skill in at-risk first graders

The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the potential for computer-assisted instruction (CAI) to enhance number combination skill among children with concurrent risk for math disability and reading disability. A secondary purpose was to examine the effects of CAI on spelling. At-risk students were assigned randomly to math or spelling CAI, which they received in 50 sessions over 18 weeks. Acquisition and transfer effects were assessed. The results indicated that math CAI was effective in promoting addition but not subtraction number combination skill and that transfer to arithmetic story problems did not occur. Spelling CAI effects were reliable on acquisition and transfer spelling measures, with small to moderate effect sizes on transfer to reading measures. These results provide the basis for additional work with larger samples.

The effects of cumulative practice on mathematics problem solving

This study compared three different methods of teaching five basic algebra rules to college students. All methods used the same procedures to teach the rules and included four 50-question review sessions interspersed among the training of the individual rules. The differences among methods involved the kinds of practice provided during the four review sessions. Participants who received cumulative practice answered 50 questions covering a mix of the rules learned prior to each review session. Participants who received a simple review answered 50 questions on one previously trained rule. Participants who received extra practice answered 50 extra questions on the rule they had just learned. Tests administered after each review included new questions for applying each rule (application items) and problems that required novel combinations of the rules (problem-solving items). On the final test, the cumulative group outscored the other groups on application and problem-solving items. In addition, the cumulative group solved the problem-solving items significantly faster than the other groups. These results suggest that cumulative practice of component skills is an effective method of training problem solving.

Effectiveness of a multimedia programme and therapist-instructed training for children with autism

The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive multimedia training programme and a conventional therapist-instructed training in improving the learning behaviours of children with autism. A multiple-subject, single case-study time-series research design was adopted in the study. Six children with autism, aged 2 years 4 months to 2 years 10 months, were recruited by convenience sampling. They attended a 12-session training programme on basic concepts (e.g. colours, shapes) that was presented as an interactive multimedia training programme and also as a conventional, therapist-led training programme. The attending behaviours and appropriate responses of the subjects were videotaped for further analysis. Participants who attended the conventional therapist-instructed training programme generally showed improvement in attending behaviours and response rates; participants attending the multimedia programme also showed improvement in their attending behaviours and response rates. The results support the hypothesis that both training programmes are effective in improving the attending behaviours and appropriate responses of children with autism. The authors suggest that, because children with autism respond differently to different training approaches, customized training programmes should be considered for individual children. The implications of the methodology and the potential impact of the present study on the training of children with autism are discussed.