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AAC menu interface: effectiveness of active versus passive learning to master abbreviation-expansion codes
Ellyn Gregory1, Melinda Soderman, Christy Ward
1University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, USA.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (Baltimore, Md. : 1985)
|November 23, 2006
Summary
Young adults learned Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) abbreviation-expansion codes more accurately using keyboard access compared to mouse access. Active learning via keyboard improved code mastery significantly.
Area of Science:
- Assistive Technology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Learning Sciences
Background:
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices aid individuals with communication impairments.
- Abbreviation-expansion codes can enhance efficiency in AAC use.
- Understanding learning differences between input methods is crucial for optimizing AAC device design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the accuracy of learning abbreviation-expansion codes using mouse versus keyboard access on an AAC device.
- To investigate the impact of passive versus active learning on code acquisition in young adults.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the AAC Menu application for errorless practice.
Main Methods:
- Thirty young adults without disabilities participated in the study.
- Participants learned abbreviation-expansion codes for vocabulary items on an AAC device.
- Two access methods were used: mouse access (passive learning) and keyboard access (active learning).
- A specialized application, AAC Menu, facilitated errorless practice.
Main Results:
- Participants using keyboard access demonstrated significantly higher mastery of abbreviation-expansion codes.
- Keyboard access, promoting active learning, led to superior learning outcomes compared to mouse access.
- Errorless practice was utilized across both accessing methods.
Conclusions:
- Active learning facilitated by keyboard input enhances the acquisition of AAC abbreviation-expansion codes.
- Keyboard access may be a more effective method for learning and retaining AAC codes than mouse access for young adults.
- Findings suggest optimizing AAC interfaces to promote active engagement for improved learning.
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