Utilizing Technology to Support Generalization of Skill Acquisition By Lauren M Stafford, M. Ed

5 Goals For Today … Identify the different ways to generalize learning Explore ways to generalize content or concepts See generalization in action with visual learning software Review Current Research Study Answer questions and generate enthusiasm! 2

The Research... Research has proven that individuals with ASD typically use visual processing as their dominant information processing mode, and because of that strength they usually possess a heightened interest in visual materials (Furth, 1981).

Intrinsic Interest Children on the autism spectrum have extensive interest in computers, television and video, and the majority choose to spend more time with electronic media than with all other forms of play combined (Shane & Albert, 2008). 4

What is Generalization? This step in the process involves relating skills and concepts learned to natural environments. The generalized environment is the final testing ground for mastered skills in therapies for autism.

Types of Generalization Generalizing nouns Generalizing concepts Generalizing between tasks Generalizing between people Generalizing between environments “That ah ha moment when it clicks and sticks!”

Just Click It: Digital Resources Google it! Find lots of different representations without getting out your camera! Clipart: Amazing what you can find! VizZle Video Camera’s (students as the stars) Cell phone camera’s! Just click it! You tube and teacher tube! 7

Demo…… Generalizing nouns through pictures a.) Students with ASD may have difficulty generalizing nouns. b.) Practice with different levels of representation and repetition to help develop generalization. 8

Media Makes a Difference……

Generalizing concepts: Generalize concepts with a variety of representations to maximize comprehension with meanings, settings and opportunities! Generalizing concepts: Click for Slide show with video. 10

Generalizing concepts: Verbs Prepositions Social Skills Math ADL’s Transition Skills Reading Much more… 11

Generalizing between tasks Question: Have you ever had a student who could only do an activity one way? Generalizing between tasks The student has mastered color words in a file folder activity. Is this skill mastered? They need to generalize the skill to show true skill mastery! 12

A skill is generalized when the student shows mastery of the skill in lots of different ways! Generalizing Tasks: 13

How can I show you? Let me count the ways: Skill: Emotions Flash cards File folders Board games Computer games (lots and lots of computer games!) Social Skills Social Narratives Real world application (classroom, building, home, community) Apps! Ipad/Android/Blackberry (check your market). 14

Diversify: 15

Generalizing Between People Question: Have you ever had a student, or your child who was able to do something with you, but not with anyone else? Generalizing between people is critical for skill mastery. 16

There is no I in TEAM! Promote generalization as a team! Intervention Specialist Speech Therapist OT PT Regular Ed Teacher Parents Tutors 17

How? Digital sharing! Send home links to websites Create a wiki and invite the team Google Everything! Google Docs is a great way to share common information and leave notes for everyone along the way Send a VizZle Gram How? 18

Generalizing Between Environments School-Home-Community 19

Generalizing Between Environments School-Home-Community Hardware: Tablet Computers, Cell Phones, Laptops, Nintendo DS… 20

Generalizing Between Environments School-Home-Community Software: Technology can help generalize skills to multiple environments. Put a schedule on a xoom or Ipad tablet so it goes where they go! VizZle 21

Generalizing Between Environments 22

Bringing it all together: 1. Introduce your concept… 23

Scaffold… (High Interest!) 24

Generalize pictures… 25

Generalize tasks… 26

Generalize into Natural Environment.. 27

Generalize on the go! 28

Research… 29

Attributes… 30

Concept…

In Action (Demo) Study was conducted in 4 schools nationwide!

Results…

Demo…

Remember…… “That ah ha moment when it clicks and sticks!” Generalize nouns through different representations Generalize concepts hands on experiences 3) Generalize tasks by using a variety of activities books, games, print out activities to play Generalize through People: Share with the IEP team Generalize different environments (Connecting with parents and other family members) 35

Questions? Contact Me: Lauren Stafford lstafford@monarchtt.com

Resources? Monarch Center for Autism www.monarchcenterforautism.org VizZle www.monarchtt.com Apps Blog: Spectronics http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/blog/ipo d-ipad/2011/03/visual-support-apps-for- ipodipad/