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

2. 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

3. 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).

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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!”

7. 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

8. 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

9. Media Makes a Difference……

10. 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

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

12. 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

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

14. 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

15. Diversify: 15

16. 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

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

18. 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

19. Generalizing Between Environments
School-Home-Community 19

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

21. 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

22. Generalizing Between Environments22

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

24. Scaffold… (High Interest!)24

25. Generalize pictures… 25

26. Generalize tasks… 26

27. Generalize into Natural Environment..27

28. Generalize on the go! 28

29. Research… 29

30. Attributes… 30

31. Concept…

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

33. Results…

34. Demo…

35. 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

36. Questions?
Contact Me:
Lauren Stafford

37. Resources? Monarch Center for Autism www.monarchcenterforautism.org
VizZle
Apps Blog: Spectronics
d-ipad/2011/03/visual-support-apps-for- ipodipad/