e-Learning in Phoniatrics and Speech-Language Pathology: Exploratory Analysis of Free Access Tools in Augmentative...

Area of Science:

• Speech-Language Pathology
• Assistive Technology
• Medical Education

Background:

• Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is crucial for individuals with limited or no expressive language.
• Speech-language pathologists and phoniatricians require expertise in AAC to manage complex communication needs.
• While numerous e-learning resources exist for AAC knowledge acquisition, their attributes remain under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore freely accessible AAC e-learning tools relevant to speech-language pathology students and professionals.
• To analyze the formats, content areas, learning styles, and learning goals of these AAC e-learning tools.
• To investigate structural differences in AAC e-learning tools between basic and advanced learner levels.

Main Methods:

• A systematic web-based search was conducted in 2023 across multiple databases and app stores, adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
• Inclusion criteria focused on free access, mandatory AAC content, and English/German language, excluding social media and video-sharing platforms.
• Analysis encompassed tool formats, content areas (type, diagnostics, therapy), learning styles (visual, auditory, audio-visual), and learning goals (receptive, performative) for basic and advanced levels.

Main Results:

• 131 free AAC e-learning tools were identified: 57 basic (43.5%) and 74 advanced (56.5%). Websites constituted the majority (80.2%), followed by online courses (16%).
• Advanced tools more frequently covered diagnostics (87.8%) and therapy (86.5%) compared to basic tools. Performative tasks were rare, especially in basic level tools (0% vs. 16.2% in advanced).
• Most tools utilized a "visual (text)" learning style (100% basic, 89.2% advanced). Advanced tools were more likely online courses (25.7% vs. 3.5%) and featured more audio-visual content (36.5% vs. 8.8%).

Conclusions:

• Free AAC e-learning resources for speech-language pathology exhibit considerable variation in format, content, and learning styles.
• Significant differences exist between basic and advanced learner-level tools, particularly in content focus and the availability of performative tasks.
• This study provides a foundational analysis for future research and development in AAC e-learning, aiming to enhance professional competency.