Effectiveness of educational computer software with hearing impaired students

This study addresses the effectiveness of educational microcomputer software with hearing impaired students. A review of the literature revealed a large void in the empirical research on this topic and also indicated that a lack of suitable and appropriate software, was a major hurdle to the successful use of CAI with hearing impaired students. This study investigated the effectiveness of a specific educational microcomputer program (MECC : Trapezoids and Triangles Areas) with a group of hearing impaired students. The 18 students were randomly divided into two groups. One group viewed the tutorial portion of the software and then worked with the practise section. While the other group worked only with the practise section of the software. This was done to measure and compare the effectiveness of both portions of the program. The students were carefully observed as they interacted with the computer. Problems they encountered with the software, their achievement during exposure to the software and on pre and post tests, were all recorded by the experimenter. These data were used to measure the changes that took place due to microcomputer application, to evaluate the effectiveness of this software, to make recommendations regarding the characteristics required to improve this software, and to set "guidelines" for the development of future educationally effective software for the hearing impaired. The results revealed the need for software that contains a measured and controlled level of syntax, more advanced diagnostic and remedial capabilities, and a simplified more thorough presentation of the information. This study demonstrated the need for more research related to identification of the important factors and teaching strategies which make software more educationally effective for use with hearing impaired students.Education, Faculty ofEducational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education (ECPS), Department ofGraduat