Abstract
By and large, people with mental retardation have not experienced the educational benefits, productivity gains, and personal enrichment that can result from the use of personal computers. Computer use has been restricted for individuals with mental retardation for several reasons, including the lack of opportunities to learn how to use computer hardware and software. One potential solution to this problem is to use the computer itself, through computer-delivered instruction, to teach basic computer skills. However, most currently available instructional software has been developed either for adults with full cognitive capacities or specifically for children. This study examined use of a multimedia software program designed for self-directed computer training and skill assessment for adults with mental retardation. Study participants with mental retardation used the software in a self-directed manner to increase their independence, speed, and accuracy in learning basic computer use skills.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
REFERENCES
Davies, D. K., and Stock, S. E. (1994). PictureCoach and PocketCoach: An integrated multimedia training system for teaching and maintaining vocational skills for adults with developmental disabilities, U.S. Department of Education SBIR Phase I Final Report, March 14, 1994.
Davies, D. K., and Stock, S. E. (1995). MoneyCoach: A functional multimedia computer program for maximizing independence in financial management for adults with developmental disabilities. Paper presented at the 1995 CSUN Technology and Persons with Disabilities, March 18, 1995.
Davies, D. K., and Stock, S. E. (1997). PictureCoach and PocketCoach: An integrated multimedia training system for teaching and maintaining vocational skills for adults with developmental disabilities, Phase II Final Report, U.S. Department of Education, January 15, 1997.
Davies, D. K., and Stock, S. E. (1999). VisualAssistant: A portable multimedia training system for community-based skill development for individuals with mental retardation, Phase I Final Report, U.S. Department of Education, March 5, 1999.
Davies, D., Stock, S., and Wehmeyer, M. L. (2001). Enhancing independent Internet access for individuals with mental retardation through the use of a specialized web browser: A pilot study. Educ. Train. Ment. Retard. Dev. Disabil. 36: 107–113.
Holzberg, C. S. (1994, April). Technology in Special Education. Technology and Learning, pp. 18–22.
Holzberg, C. S. (1995, February). Technology in Special Education. Technology and Learning, pp. 18–23.
Keyes, G. K. (1994). The time on computer program. Teach. Except. Child. 35: 20–23.
National Council on Disability (1996). Access to the information superhighway and emerging information technologies by people with disabilities. Retrieved July 2, 2001, from http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/superhwy.html
Runyan, R. P., and Haber, A. (1979). Fundamentals of Behavioral Statistics, 3rd edn. Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA.
Wehmeyer, M. L. (1998). National survey of the use of assistive technology by adults with mental retardation. Ment. Retard. 36: 44–51.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Davies, D.K., Stock, S.E. & Wehmeyer, M.L. Computer-Mediated, Self-Directed Computer Training and Skill Assessment for Individuals with Mental Retardation. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities 16, 95–105 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JODD.0000010041.13710.33
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JODD.0000010041.13710.33