Touch Screen versus Keyboard: A Comparison of Task Performance of Young Children

Abstract

This study compared the effect of type of computer input device on the task performance of 40 developmental^ delayed and 40 non-delayed kindergarten children. Two input devices were evaluated, including a traditional computer keyboard and a touch-sensitive computer screen. Subjects completed an alphabet matching task and a spelling task under the counterbalanced treatment conditions. Results indicated that the touch-sensitive screen generally improved the performance of both groups. It was concluded that the more natural response associated with the touch screen enhanced subject performance through reducing preoccupation with the response device.