An Emerging Technology to Support Students (and Teachers Too) Gail Fitzgerald & Ta Boonseng Information Science & Learning Technologies University of Missouri

EPSS Electronic Performance Support System Tools

Innovations in Technology Funding from U.S. Department of Education under technology for students with disabilities Use of products for students at-risk and special needs

High priority national level to serve students with disabilities (12%) and at-risk (20+%). “No Child Left Behind” legislation focus on achievement and standards-based outcomes for all. Increasing violence, mental health, and at-risk issues demand coordinated response from homes, schools and communities. Most students have issues with organization, learning, and responsibility during school career. National Scope of the Problem

Consider the needs of a student in a typical classroom situation Your teachers have Zach! (A movie of Zach was shown here)

Has no individualized study guide for independent learning. Has difficulty getting and staying on task. Wants to be a part of the social milieu. Has repertoire of disruptive behaviors that need alternatives plus ability to do the alternatives (stop and do). Is not learning. Teacher is not providing appropriate support. We can see that Zach…

KidTools Support System KidSkillsKidTools eKidSkills iKidSkills KidSkills Resources eKidTools iKidTools KidTools Resources Developed for children ages 7-10 StrategyTools Strategy Coach StrategyTools Resources StrategyTools Developed for children ages Developed for children ages 13-18

Let’s see what resources are here for Zach and his teacher…

(jump out and demonstrate StrategyTools and make a STAR card tool for Zach)

Self-Monitoring Card

New Words Card

Getting Information Card

Why do EPSS Tools work?

Evidence-Based Practices Learning Strategies provide methods to learn and remember more successfully. Self-Control Skills provide guidance to help analyze problems, think about choices, and make plans to change or control a behavior. Transition Planning tools excel the students toward the future.

Software Features The tools are easy to create and can be printed for use. The recordkeeping function lets students come back and use their old cards or revise them. The Records Viewer program gives educators access to view students’ records and the individual cards made by the students. All on Windows and Mac!!!

Supports for StrategyTools Strategy Coach StrategyTools Resources Records Viewer

Research with Tool Programs Research conducted in three school districts in Pennsylvania/ West Virginia Students with mild learning disabilities and/or behavioral disorders Funded by U.S. Department of Education Steppingstones Grant

Participants Treatment Replication Group Elementary/ Middle Secondary students, 18 teachers, 3 districts

1.Students successfully learned tool approach and generalized to other settings. 2.Tool use significantly impacted levels of positive behavior in classrooms. 3.Teacher ratings documented significant levels of improvement on social competence. 4.Small but significant impact on grades in one group. Findings

Learning and Using Tools Goal attainment exceeded expected level

1.Students successfully learned tool approach and generalized to other settings. 2.Tool use significantly impacted levels of positive behavior in classrooms. 3.Teacher ratings documented significant levels of improvement on social competence. 4.Small but significant impact on grades in one group. Findings

Positive Behavior in Classrooms

1.Students successfully learned tool approach and generalized to other settings. 2.Tool use significantly impacted levels of positive behavior in classrooms. 3.Teacher ratings documented significant levels of improvement on social competence. 4.Small but significant impact on grades in one group. Findings

Teachers like the tools! Supportive of tools and cited benefits to students. Tools and strategies consistent with current approaches. Self-control tools provided structure and motivation. Students need to “buy in” to using tools. Computer accessibility is the greatest challenge to tool use.

Teachers say… “The kids need to realize that they can find their own solutions to problems. They can help contribute to their own success as a student. The fact that they can decide for themselves what is the best tool for their success is great for the student and the teacher.”

Tools into Schools? How? 1.Shift focus to students taking responsibility for own learning and behavior; move to student control. 2.Integrate tools into ongoing management systems and instructional procedures; add-on value. 3.Provide orientation to teachers and assistance in designing effective implementation. 4.Plan for adequate access to computers.

Dissemination Integration into eMINTS training. Free downloads from web sites. Memory wrist bands with software. Expansion to portable device and web delivery.

31% 7% 16% 6% Percentage of Site Visits October, 2008 – January, visits in 3 month period70% new visits

Free Downloads kidtools.org strategytools.org Information Gail Fitzgerald