Bayview Beach Resort, Batu Ferringhi Beach, Penang, Malaysia

27-30 September 1999

Talking Laptops: An enabling tool for children with learning difficulties.

Jeremy Pagram

Lecturer in Educational Computing, Edith Cowan University, Mount Lawley Western Australia

Abstract

This paper reports upon research that investigated whether the use of a laptop computer capable of synthesising speech, would improve the literacy skills, self-esteem, attitude to school and time on task of upper primary school children who were identified as having learning difficulties

By using the computer as an aid, reading and writing impaired students were able to participate more fully in classroom activities. A case study approach was adopted with each subject taking part in a sixteen-week study.

The principal findings of this study showed that learning disabled students do spend more time on task when using the computer, however no change was found to take place in any of the students' literacy level. Nevertheless technology alone was found not to be sufficient. The teachers attitude to, and, familiarity with computers, was reflected in the students productive use of the technology and attitude to it.