ERIC Number: EJ1342890
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022-Jun
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1744-6295
EISSN: N/A
Effect of the Use of an iPad on the Attention Span of a Child with Smith Magenis Syndrome: A Single Case Study
Rikken-Evers, M. T.; Smith, K. D.; Sterkenburg, P. S.
Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, v26 n2 p337-349 Jun 2022
Aims: To assess the effectiveness of iPad use on the attention span of a child with Smith Magenis Syndrome (n = 1), compared to attention span while working on the same tasks manually. Methods: An AB design with a baseline and an intervention phase was used. Three manual tasks were chosen for the baseline, which matched the participant's intellectual age by the Early Intervention Method: a jigsaw puzzle (six pieces), a shape sorter, and matching pictures. These same tasks were performed on an iPad during the intervention phase. Six baseline and nine intervention phase films were included in the analysis. The 15 films were independently scored "twice" by "two" observers: once to observe the types of distractions that occurred (such as standing up from the chair, calling the teacher, or turning around on the chair), and a second time to measure the effective working time. Results: iPad use led to a 45% decrease in the number of total distractions. The effective working time improved by 8% and showed a more consistent range compared to working on tasks manually. While task enjoyment was not directly measured, the observers and teachers agreed that working on the iPad appeared to be more enjoyable. Conclusions: In this single case study the participant showed that in his case iPad use can be effective in decreasing his distractions and therefore can improve his attention span. Enjoyment was higher while working with the iPad than performing tasks manually. This technology could therefore create more learning engagement for the participant, which could positively impact his behavior. Further research into iPad implementation for children with intellectual disabilities, poor fine motor skills, and/or attention deficits is needed.
Descriptors: Genetic Disorders, Handheld Devices, Telecommunications, Program Effectiveness, Attention Span, Intervention, Psychological Patterns, Intellectual Disability, Students with Disabilities, Psychomotor Skills, Young Children
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A