Research in AAC
Using Multimedia to Enhance Pre-Professional Instruction in AAC
What are the goals of the project?
The goal of this project is to develop an interactive multimedia tutorial, consisting of written
text, spoken text, graphics, photographs, and video clips, which will outline features of
computer-based communication systems and their use.
The problem of pre-professional instruction in AAC is twofold: 1) the small number of
institutions that require, or even offer, instruction in AAC, and 2) within those courses that
are offered, the limited time and resources necessary to expose students to the computer-based
AAC technologies. The tutorial will constitute an exposure which, while not sufficient to develop
the technical skills necessary to operate an AAC system, will provide a base of knowledge that
should reduce the intimidation that is often experienced by the novice with these devices.
What is the project plan?
The module will contain interactive demonstrations of often difficult-to-visualize techniques,
such as customizing selection techniques and switch activation strategies. Additionally, the
range of types of devices currently available will be discussed. This tutorial will be developed
with the participation of individuals who use current AAC technologies, through videos and case
discussions. Portions of this tutorial will be made available to students and other interested
parties on the World Wide Web.
What is the potential impact of this research?
The expected outcomes from this project are: 1) increased exposure to AAC technology for
students who have limited hands-on experiences, 2) an initial exposure to AAC technology for
students who would otherwise not have access to either coursework in AAC or computer-based AAC
systems, 3) an opportunity for a learning format which differs from course lecture (hands-on
learning), and 4) an opportunity for students to apply the AAC knowledge in a functional way
through activities which require problem-solving.
Who is working on the project?
The project team consists of Kathryn Drager, Ph.D. (Principal Investigator), Barbara Roberts,
M.S. (Co-Investigator), Joe Reichle, Ph.D. (Co-Investigator, University of Minnesota), and a
number of graduate and doctoral students, including Diane Millar, Laura Pitkin, Kerri Sassano,
Michelle Zeevalk, and Lauren Zuskin.
What is the funding source?
This project was funded by the Penn State Fund for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (FELT)
and the Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC) Learning Technology Seed Grant Program.
What is the timeline for the project?
The project was initiated July, 1999. The tutorial will be available in 2001.
Where can I find out more about the project?
For more information, contact Kathryn Drager. KDD5@psu.edu
|
|
