AAC Internet-Based Self Study Shell
By Hill, Katya; Romich, Barry; Seagull, Amon; Ahmad, Naveed; Peebles, Byron; Strecker, Jaymie; RESNA 26th International Annual Conference 2003,Publication Date: 2003
Paper describes an Internet-based self-study shell that addresses the needs of speech-language pathologists and other professionals who provide services to people who rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). It is necessary for such professionals to keep their knowledge and skills current, and some also have continuing education requirements that must be met. The AAC Institute (AACI) undertook the initiative to create the self-study program, with support from the College of Wooster in Ohio’s Applied Mathematics Research Experience. A list of attributes was identified by the AACI, and by surveying potential users. Specific criteria included: (1) ease of registration, (2) inclusion of links to other Internet sites, (3) ability to interrupt the course and return later, (4) organization by modules, (5) a quiz following each module, (6) randomization of questions and answers, (7) maintaining a record of courses, (8) printing of a certificate of completion, (9) ease of entering new courses, and (10) linking to a directory of those who have successfully completed at least one course. Field-testing was conducted using undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an AAC course, and two professional peer reviewers. Participants were required to log the time taken to complete each module, and to complete the course. Feedback in the form of user satisfaction was solicited from the participants. The results for entering a new course and registering on the directory indicated that improvements were needed. Seventy-five percent of the participants completed the modules and quizzes successfully on the first attempt. Completing the six modules took an average of 153 minutes. Implications for the creation of additional courses are discussed.
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
