A computerized tool to assess reading skills of students with motor impairment

Author(s)

Silva Bissaco, Marcia Aparecida ^[1] ; Frere, Annie France ^[2] ; Bissaco, Luiz Fernando ^[1] ; Manrique, Ana Lucia ^[3] ; Dirani, Ely ^[3] ; Rugerro, Niube ^[2] ; Amate, Flavio Cezar ^[4]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Mogi das Cruzes, Technol Res Ctr, Mogi das Cruzes, SP - Brazil

^[2] Bras Cubas Univ, Mogi Das Cruzes, SP - Brazil

^[3] Pontifical Catholic Univ Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[4] Fed Inst Educ Sci & Technol Sao Paulo IFSP, Braganca Paulista, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MEDICAL ENGINEERING & PHYSICS; v. 77, p. 31-42, MAR 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Conventional tests for assessing the early reading skills of preschool children on school entry are not accessible to students with motor limitations of upper limbs. This paper presents a game-like computerized test featuring an appealing scenario that is accessible to these students. It was developed on a platform that creates 2D vector graphics and contains three phases of interactive content accessible through an adapted peripheral. A conventional card-based test was also used to validate the effectiveness of the computerized test. Both tests were performed by thirty-three preschool children without mobility impairment all aged between four years and six months and six years and two months ((x) over bar = 5,33; sigma = 0,44). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the nonparametric data from the computerized test with the card-based test in the first and second phase, yielding results of p = 0.11 and p = 0.21, respectively. The Student's t-test was conducted to compare the parametric data of the third phase of the computerized test with the data from the third phase of the card-based test yielded results of p = 0.07.Three gaming experts considered the computerized test to be fun and engaging, and three teachers concluded that the computerized test meets educational goals. Additionally, seven volunteers with moderate mobility impairment (group T), aged between eight and seventeen years old ((x) over bar =11.8; sigma = 3.5), accompanied by two physical therapists, took the computerized test using the adapted peripheral device and performed the required tasks without difficulty and without showing signs of fatigue. Based on the results obtained it can be concluded that the computerized test may enable educators to include students with mobility difficulties in literacy assessments and to design teaching strategies that are appropriate given their levels of knowledge. (C) 2020 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/12248-2 - COMPUTER GAME DEVELOPMENT TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
• Grantee: Marcia Aparecida Silva Bissaco
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants