Let's Go: designing an eLearning web application to enable independent travel for people with intellectual disability
Marian McDonnell
Institute of Art Design & Technologies
Marian has over 15 years’ experience as a lecturer and researcher in computing and applied psychology at the Institute for Art, Design and Technology. Her research interests are in human computer interaction (HCI) and multimedia systems. Marian is passionate about innovative interdisciplinary technology projects and research. Her current research interests are focused on the role of design, technology and psychology in user experience. She is particularly interested in the area of assistive technologies for individuals with cognitive impairments. Present research projects include developing eLearning applications to aid individuals with intellectual disability. Recent innovative projects included designing a mobile awareness display application to support caregivers of the elderly who suffer with cognitive memory impairments. Previous research projects developed games to help learners with mathematical difficulties. Two IADT cross disciplinary teams from psychology and computing, who were supervised by Marian, won awards at national Technology Competitions.
Abstract
Background People with intellectual disability are reliant on their carers/trainers/family members for transport. This reliance limits their independence greatly. Private transport for people with intellectual disability is... [ view full abstract ]
Background
People with intellectual disability are reliant on their carers/trainers/family members for transport. This reliance limits their independence greatly. Private transport for people with intellectual disability is both expensive and time consuming.
Aims and Objectives
Let’s Go is an innovative early stage prototype eLearning web application which aims to equip the users with the knowledge necessary to get public transport safely. The objective was to deliver a practical eLearning system for clients and a reliable client management system for the trainers
Description of innovation
Let’s Go was developed with the end user in mind and included strong input from the experienced life skills trainers at a recognised services provider. Data was collected using interviews which lead to iteratively developing the resource while gaining feedback from trainers in a naturalistic setting. During user testing, some usability issues were logged for future improvement and evolution of the application. One of the games in the application trains the users to remember what to bring with them when they travel. There is a section for the trainer to monitor the progress of all the clients.
Impact of innovation
This prototype educational application was developed in conjunction with an existing paper based training program and can be integrated as a digital resource, by the trainers and clients. It is envisaged that it can be further adapted for other service providers for people with intellectual disability.
Conclusions and implications
Let’s Go is a case study of the process of designing and developing an innovative eLearning web application to enable people with Intellectual disability to travel independently
Future work will include adding educational animations based around safe independent travel, incorporating more games and further development on the tracking of trainee progress.
Authors
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Marian McDonnell
(Institute of Art Design & Technologies)
Topic Area
Intellectual Disability
Session
ID-2 » Intellectual Disability 2 (14:00 - Thursday, 5th November, Lecture Theatre 2.57)
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