Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Computer-Assisted Instructional System Implemented by Teachers for Students on the Autism Spectrum With Intellectual Disabilities in China

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) implemented by special education teachers in a school setting in China. Feasibility was evaluated by procedural fidelity of teacher implementation and a social validity questionnaire. Effectiveness was measured by the acquisition of bidirectional naming through multiple exemplar instruction implemented in CAI for students on the autism spectrum with intellectual disabilities. Bidirectional naming is a key ability in early language development that allows children to expand their knowledge through incidental learning (Greer et al., 2011). Three students on the autism spectrum with intellectual disabilities (7 years of age; 1 female, 2 males) and their teachers (27–29 years of age; female) participated in this study. Using a single-case design--multiple probes across participants with pre- and post-assessments, all three students demonstrated improvements at post-instruction bidirectional naming assessments. Teachers implemented CAI with a high level of fidelity; they gave it high ratings for acceptability and feasibility. They were satisfied with CAI and student learning outcomes. All three students reported that they enjoyed learning with CAI. The implications and potential utilities of incorporating CAI in special education classrooms in China are discussed.