The Effect of Multimedia Writing Support Software on Written Productivity

Occupational Therapist and Assistive Technology Specialist Rose Racicot has undertaken a study exploring the effects of using Clicker on the quality and quantity of writing productivity of students who have mild to moderate developmental delays.

Twenty-two special education students from grades K-6 participated in an eight week technology writing intervention using Clicker software. Participant diagnoses included seizure disorders, autism, attention deficit disorder, learning disabilities, genetic disorders, sensory integration dysfunction, brain injury, static encephalopathy, and global developmental delay.

Ms Racicot's findings include the following:

• Using Clicker with developmentally delayed elementary-aged students had a significant positive impact on the quantity and quality of their written productivity, demonstrated by the considerable growth in participants' overall writing scores.
• Particularly significant growth was achieved by young emergent writers who could compose very little with paper and pencil.
• Staff members expressed a very positive perception of student motivation and effort when using Clicker, as well as a feeling of empowerment to increase and expand their use of technology in the classroom.
• Both emergent and early/transitional writers significantly increased the number of sentences they produced using Clicker.
• The percentage of correctly spelled words increased by 51% and use of conventions improved by 40%.
• Speech feedback, custom grids sets, and picture supports were rated by teachers as the Clicker features most helpful for their students.
• The use of these supports appears to make a significant difference in the independent writing productivity of students with autism, developmental delay, learning disabilities, and multiple disabilities.
• All involved staff members rated Clicker as a very effective tool for individual written expression, and all said that they would recommend it to other special education and general education teachers.

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