Alyssa Greenwood

Research Article Critique

EDPC 610
November 15, 2015
The Efficacy of Assistive Technology on Reading Comprehension for Postsecondary
Students with Learning Disabilities
Topic of research
The topic of research in this study is the use of assistive technology (AT) for post-
secondary students with learning disabilities, with specific challenges with reading
comprehension skills.
Research Question
The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of AT, specifically a
program called ClassMate Reader on the reading comprehension performance of
postsecondary students with LD. The study also examined whether this program was
perceived socially acceptable by participates and if they would use ClassMate Reader if
made available to them in the future.
Subjects of the study
The six participants in this study were in a program called Supporting Transition
of Education through Planning and Partnerships (STEPP) at a public university in the
southeastern region of the United States. There were fur male and two female
participants. They were identified as having a learning disability through the screening
process acceptance into the STEPP program and also demonstrated challenges with
reading comprehension. The participants had reading comprehension levels that ranged
from 5th grade to 8th grade and this was measured by The Basic Reading Inventory. The
participants ranged in age from 19- 22 years old and were freshman to juniors.
Research design
This study was a multiple baseline across participants design. Each participant
began with a baseline at the same time, and the independent variable, ClassMate Reader,
was presented to each participant in a sequential order. The dependent variable being
measured was the percentage correct on reading comprehension measures. The
independent variable was the implementation of the ClassMate Reader. Participants read
15 standardized reading passage at the 11th grade reading level and then were given a
reading comprehension measure of six to eight questions that addressed the main idea,
facts, prediction, purpose, or clarifying questions.
Methodology for collecting data
Data was collected from a baseline reading comprehension test and then 15
passages at the 11th grade reading level followed by six to eight reading comprehension
questions. Scores were calculated to percentages.
Results found
Based on the data collected from the six participants, the researchers calculated a
percentage of non-overlapping data points. This was used to determine the percentage of
all data points during the intervention, or the time when ClassMate Reader was used,
which fell above the highest baseline data point. The PND score for the intervention
shows that Colin Joanna, Annie, and Jeffs percentages suggest a moderate intervention
effect. Hughs percentage suggests that ClassMate Reader was marginally effective, and
Sabron showed no benefit from using ClassMate Reader. The intervention by ClassMate
Reader showed mixed benefits where some students performed better and some only
showed slight improvements in reading comprehension.
Based on the survey given about social acceptability of ClassMate Reader, only
16.7% of the participants felt their performance was helped most in traditional
paper/pencil format. Five our of the six participants agreed that they would feel
comfortable using ClassMate Reader around their peers. Participants also noted they
paper/pencil format. Five our of the six participants agreed that they would feel
comfortable using ClassMate Reader around their peers. Participants also noted they
liked the portability of the device. Participants also noted that when they listen to a
reading it doesnt take as long for them to comprehend or retain the information than
when they read it themselves. Often times, they mentioned they had to read over and
over to retain information.
Implications for teaching and learning
The most common accommodation made for postsecondary students with LD is
testing accommodations such as extended time, questions read aloud, or separate testing
locations. This study shows that there are more accommodations needed by
postsecondary students such as the use of AT like ClassMate Reader that can be effective
in helping students obtain the information needed to be successful.
Further research questions and comments
Further research needs to be done on this tool using a larger sample size to really
see if it is valid in helping students with reading comprehension. This study only had six
participants. Also, there should be more diverse participants.
Floyd, K., & Judge, S. (Fall 2012). The Efficacy of Assistive Technology on Reading
Comprehension for Postsecondary Students with Learning Disabilities. Assistive
Technology Outcomes and Benefits, 48-64.