Comparison of articulation intervention in children using iPad technology

Over the past decade, technology has played a large role in the field of speech and language pathology. In more recent years, the Apple iPad has become a staple in many speech therapy settings. Many professionals have implemented the iPad into their therapy strategies but there is a lack of research and information about how beneficial the iPad and its features can be. The iPad is appealing because it is equipped with built in capabilities and when combined with appropriate applications it becomes an influential tool for many different clients and their therapy goals. In addition, the iPad is affordable, easy to manipulate, engaging, and portable. In a speech therapy setting, the iPad has been used for intervention, assessment, assistive technology, reinforcement and data collection. In this study we will be comparing articulation intervention using an iPad and traditional articulation intervention strategies. We will assess the improvement in the child’s articulation of target sounds when an iPad intervention is used in comparison to traditional intervention. By comparing articulation intervention using the iPad to traditional articulation intervention in children three to six years of age, this study will provide evidence that the use of the iPad in speech therapy is valid. Pre and post speech sounds are compared using the Goldman Fristoe Test of Articulation. From this evidence, the iPad could be utilized by speech and language pathologists across the nation in all work settings. The multifunctional features and available apps make the iPad a valuable tool for speech and language pathologists. The iPad will help individuals receive the innovative services they need to meet their speech and language goals