This project examines the ability of a computer based learning aid to adapt to the individual, learning disabled Child by changing the manner in which it presents subject matter.The ability of computer based systems to quickly adapt, with little or no external instruction, to differing situations, offers considerable promise for the learning disabled. These children typically require highly personalized, individual instruction and respond much better when the training aids used arc tailored to meet their own unique requirements.The project will utilize the input of learning disabled subjects chosen at random. Their responses during use of a flaming aid designed by the principal investigator for learning disabled children will be collected, and analyzed. The results will be used to relate individual responses to the effectiveness of the learning aid for that child and to develop alternative methods of presentation.The final product will be a working adaptive learning aid which assists in teaching learning disabled children the alphabet. It will demonstrate that the response of an individual is related to learning aid effectiveness and that this relationship can be used to change the method of presentation in such a way as to improve the effectiveness of the aid.Key Words: Adaptive Learning Aid (ALA), disabled/special needs children
Anticipated Results:The result of the Phase I project will be a single software program designed for disabled and special needs children and equipped with the "Adaptive. Learning Aid". This program will sense as the prototype for further research and development of Special needs" software. The result of the Phase II project will be a research tool which collects data unobtrusively from children with extensively varied backgrounds and needs. This data collection will Support the creation of simulations based upon the empirical data collected. AS a result, we will be able to modify programs and better understand differences in the process of learning between a multitude of special needs children. Consequently, we may improve the quality of learning for this population of children by working toward development of commercially available educational software designed to meet the developmental needs of such children. Potential future markets for resultant products range from individual school districts and day care facilities to the individual parents of a disabled child.Topic # 1 Development of Adaption Devices, Mechanisms, or Techniques for individuals with Disabilities
