EFFECTS OF ADAPTED COMPUTER USE ON MATHEMATICS PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY IN JOYTOWN SPECIAL SECONDARY SCHOOL KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA

Authors

  • Betty Mulavi Masters’ Student, Department of Special Needs Education, Kenyatta University, Kenya
  • Franciscah Irangi Wamocho Dr., Senior Lecturer, Early Childhood and Special Needs Education Department, Kenyatta University, Kenya
  • Molly Ogalloh Dr., Lecturer, Early Childhood and Special Needs Education Department, Kenyatta University, Kenya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejse.v8i3.4343

Keywords:

assistive technology, adapted computer use, mathematics performance, students with cerebral palsy

Abstract

The paper reports some of the key findings of a study that explored the effects of adaptive computer use on the mathematics performance of students with cerebral palsy in Joytown Special Secondary School for the Physically Handicapped in Kiambu County, Kenya. In the study, a quasi-experimental design was adopted utilizing a sample size of 32 students with cerebral palsy. Purposive and stratified random sampling techniques were adopted in selecting the sample size. The research study applied Amabile and Kramer’s progress theory and the primary data collection methods were classroom observation checklists, interview guides and pre-test and post-test. The research data was analyzed using SPSS version 22 and primary data analyzed per the study objectives. The findings on the impacts of adapted computer use on mathematics performance of students with cerebral palsy are reported. The study findings demonstrated that adapted computer use increases the academic independence and performance of students. This confirms that the integration of assistive technology in mathematics learning can be a compensatory tool for children with cerebral palsy despite the motor and communication dysfunctions resulting from their disabling condition. On the basis of the study findings, recommendations are provided.

 

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Author Biographies

  • Betty Mulavi, Masters’ Student, Department of Special Needs Education, Kenyatta University, Kenya

    Betty Mulavi is a master’s student in the Department of Special Needs Education at Kenyatta University, Kenya. She has specialized in physical and multiple disabilities. Research interests are in the areas of Technology and disability, and inclusive education. 

  • Franciscah Irangi Wamocho, Dr., Senior Lecturer, Early Childhood and Special Needs Education Department, Kenyatta University, Kenya

    Dr. Wamocho, Franciscah Irangi is a senior lecturer in the Department of Early Childhood and Special Needs Education at Kenyatta University, Kenya. She has published quite a number of research articles in peer-reviewed journals. Her areas of specialization include orthopedic disabilities, other health and multiple impairments & guidance and counseling for students with special educational needs. Research interests are in the areas of inclusive education, Behavior management, vocational rehabilitation, guidance and counseling.

  • Molly Ogalloh, Dr., Lecturer, Early Childhood and Special Needs Education Department, Kenyatta University, Kenya

    Dr. Ogalloh, Molly is a lecturer in the Department of Early Childhood and Special Needs Education at Kenyatta University, Kenya. She has specialized in physical and multiple disabilities and cerebral palsy and has also published in peer-reviewed journals.

References

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Published

2022-06-23

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