Event Title

Comparing the Effectiveness of an iPad Intervention to an Analog Intervention

Presenter Information

Olivia Marquette, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU Ballroom

Start Date

2-4-2019 2:00 PM

End Date

2-4-2019 3:30 PM

Student's Major

Psychology

Student's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Mentor's Name

Shawna Petersen-Brown

Mentor's Department

Psychology

Mentor's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Description

Correct spelling of words has been shown to increase a student's academic success in reading and writing. Unfortunately, spelling is often neglected in schools. Therefore, it is important for researchers to identify effective interventions to improve elementary students' performance in spelling. One area that should be explored is the use of technology to deliver spelling interventions. For instance, tablets are increasingly incorporated into classrooms; however, few tablet applications are research-based. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness and acceptability of implementing a technology-based intervention (Spelling Star on an iPad) versus the traditional method of paper and pencil (cover-copy-compare; CCC). Spelling Star and CCC have similar instructional features: students are presented with a correctly spelled word, spell the word from memory, receive immediate feedback, and continue attempting as needed until they spell the word correctly. Third grade students struggling with spelling will participate in both interventions. Each students' cumulative acquisition of words on end of week spelling tests will be measured to identify the most effective method. It is hypothesized that the iPad intervention will be more effective and acceptable than the CCC intervention. Results of the study and their implications will be discussed.