TY - GEN
T1 - First experiences with eBlocks as an assistive technology for individuals with autistic spectrum condition
AU - Drain, Jennifer
AU - Riojas, Mario
AU - Lysecky, Susan
AU - Rozenblit, Jerzy
PY - 2011
Y1 - 2011
N2 - The integration of technology into autistic classrooms has shown promising results, including an increase in attention span, creativity, and social skills. We have introduced a low-cost learning technology composed by electronic modules called eBlocks to an autistic middle-school classroom. The participants of this study had the opportunity to learn concepts in the design and implementation of electronic systems by using the eBlocks. Our initial findings show that the integration of hands-on real world based projects, centered on the design of systems for a Smart House estimulated peer-to-peer interaction and teamwork, while promoting spontaneous creative thinking. We present our experiences with six students, including summaries of our overall experiences, teacher's pre-and post-surveys, and the examination of students' work.
AB - The integration of technology into autistic classrooms has shown promising results, including an increase in attention span, creativity, and social skills. We have introduced a low-cost learning technology composed by electronic modules called eBlocks to an autistic middle-school classroom. The participants of this study had the opportunity to learn concepts in the design and implementation of electronic systems by using the eBlocks. Our initial findings show that the integration of hands-on real world based projects, centered on the design of systems for a Smart House estimulated peer-to-peer interaction and teamwork, while promoting spontaneous creative thinking. We present our experiences with six students, including summaries of our overall experiences, teacher's pre-and post-surveys, and the examination of students' work.
KW - Learning technologies
KW - autism
KW - disabilities studies
KW - human-computer interaction in education
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84858273546&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84858273546&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1109/FIE.2011.6143050
DO - 10.1109/FIE.2011.6143050
M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:84858273546
SN - 9781612844671
T3 - Proceedings - Frontiers in Education Conference, FIE
BT - 41st Annual Frontiers in Education Conference
T2 - 41st Annual Frontiers in Education Conference: Celebrating 41 Years of Monumental Innovations from Around the World, FIE 2011
Y2 - 12 October 2011 through 15 November 2011
ER -