Electronic Performance Support Systems: An Assistive Technology Tool for Secondary Students With Mild Disabilities
By Mitchem, Katherine; Kight, Jason; Fitzgerald, Gail; Koury, Kevin; Boonseng, Thitinun; Journal of Special Education Technology, Vol. 22, No. 2, pp. 1-14Publication Date: 2007
Study conducted to evaluate the usability and perceived effectiveness of StrategyTools from KidTools Support System Software, which is an electronic performance system support designed for secondary students with mild disabilities for home and classroom use. The StrategyTools software features 39 computerized tools that support learning, behavior, and transition in high school and beyond. The system uses a school building as a metaphor, while theme related tools can be found throughout the building. Tools include weekly planners, monitoring cards, rubric tools, and flash cards. A graphical figure named Tran coaches students throughout the program. Two special education teachers used the program with their high school students for a period of one semester. Interviews were conducted and analyzed for themes related to benefits, concerns, and usability. Both the teachers and students agreed that the software was well designed, and that the tools were well organized. The graphics and usability features were rated very high, while the students indicated that the tools were helpful as organizational triggers and as response prompts. Implications for future research are discussed.
Published by: Exceptional Innovations (Website:http://www.exinn.net)
Technology and Media Division (TAM) of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) (Web Site: http://www.tamcec.org )
