ERIC Number: EJ930341
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1040-0435
EISSN: N/A
Evaluating the Benefits of Displaying Word Prediction Lists on a Personal Digital Assistant at the Keyboard Level
Tam, Cynthia; Wells, David
Assistive Technology, v21 n3 p105-114 2009
Visual-cognitive loads influence the effectiveness of word prediction technology. Adjusting parameters of word prediction programs can lessen visual-cognitive loads. This study evaluated the benefits of WordQ word prediction software for users' performance when the prediction window was moved to a personal digital assistant (PDA) device placed at the keyboard level. Twenty-one young people aged 11-14 (11 new users and 10 experienced users) participated in the study. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was used to measure users' self-ratings of performance and satisfaction. Results of two-tailed paired t-tests reveal significantly (p less than 0.05) higher performance and satisfaction ratings when the word prediction list was displayed on the PDA. Users reported that it was easier to look for the words at the keyboard level and to select words directly from the PDA. Visual comparisons of the users' typing speed and accuracy show that experienced users had faster typing rates and new users appeared to have better accuracy when they typed with WordQ on the PDA display. Further studies with larger samples of individuals with different diagnoses and ages are required to confirm the benefit of using a PDA display in enhancing typing rate and accuracy. (Contains 2 tables and 6 figures.)
Descriptors: Assistive Technology, Computer Software, Prediction, Office Occupations, Early Adolescents, Foreign Countries
Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A