Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience challenges with social skill interactions that may affect their quality of life. Given that parents are often the most frequent and constant presence in their child's life, parents serve a vital role in their child's social and behavioral development. For this reason, children may…

We examined whether "discrete trial training" (DTT) could be used to identify learning impairments in mathematical reasoning in boys with fragile X syndrome (FXS). Boys with FXS, aged 10-23 years, and age and IQ-matched controls, were trained to match fractions to pie-charts and pie-charts to decimals either on a computer or with a…

In an attempt to study the emerging questions about design of mathematical tasks that could support the solving of challenging problems, we designed two settings of interactive diagrams that share an example represented as an animation of multi-process motion but differ in their organizational functions. The interactive settings, each comprising…

Two groups of students aged between 12 and 14 years--27 with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and 28 with both ADHD and learning problems--were compared to a sample of 29 typically developing students in terms of the acquisition and retention of declarative, conditional and procedural knowledge either in a hypermedia learning or in…

When solving basic number fact problems (e.g., 4x5=20), students with mathematical learning disabilities (MLDs) make qualitatively different kinds of errors than both typically achieving and low-achieving students. This study explores the origin of these qualitative differences through a detailed analysis of one student with an MLD. Data were…

The goal of this study is to gain insight into the effects of context on educational game experience. Using a quasi-experimental setup, it compares the playing and learning experiences of adolescent players of the awareness-raising game PING in a domestic (N=135) and a school (N=121) context. Results indicate that both gaming (identification,…

Concludes that computer assisted instruction can improve student achievement among behaviorally disordered adolescents with reading problems. (RB)

In this article, we discuss key requirements for collecting behavioural data concerning technology-supported collaborative learning activities. It is argued that the common practice of analysis of computer generated log files of user interactions with software tools is not enough for building a thorough view of the activity. Instead, more…

This study asked whether nine adolescent and adult facilitated communication users with autism could, in a facilitator-blind condition, respond accurately to stimuli presented on a computer screen, thus demonstrating that they are the sole authors of their communication. A time and task sampling method was used, in which various communication…

In this paper we consider an experiment in which 15 years old students explore a phenomenon of covariance, by using Cabri for drawing geometric figures, measuring, and sketching graphs. In this way they collect different types of information. A first research question is how students deal with them in situations of exploration, in particular,…

Describes a desktop publishing project that uses computer-assisted instruction to engage students with severe behavioral problems in a more active learning environment. Topics discussed include the reinforcement from computers; benefits of computer-assisted instruction; hardware and software selection; staff training; evaluation; and future…

Examines mathematics problem solving in a computer software environment using graphical representations of the results of simulations with adolescent students. Discusses the strengths and limitations of inferring goals and plans, the use of verbal protocols, and ways for computer-based learning environments to scaffold acquisition of domain…

Now in a substantially revised and updated second edition, this comprehensive professional resource and text is based on cutting-edge research. In each chapter, leading scholars provide an overview of a particular aspect of comprehension, offer best-practice instructional guidelines and policy recommendations, present key research questions still…

Describes a study which assessed impact of computer assisted instruction on reading and mathematics achievement of disadvantaged youths participating in US Department of Labor's Job Corps, a federal vocational and educational program. Greater reading achievement gains but no statistically significant mathematics gains were found in experimental…

Outlines key problem-solving and decision-making skills in which special needs students are deficient. Discusses the importance of teaching those skills. Describes a specific procedure called the Personal Problem Solving Guide, which utilizes readily available personal computer technology to teach children social decision-making and…