Effects of an App Incorporating Systematic Instruction to Teach Spelling to Students With Developmental Delays

This study used a multiple probe (conditions) design across behaviors to investigate the effects of an app for the tablet computer to teach spelling of academic content words to four students with developmental disabilities. The app delivered instruction using a model-lead-test format and students typed on the on-screen keyboard. The study also evaluated the acquisition of nontarget information presented by the app in the form of identifying photos and definitions of the spelling words. The results indicated that all students learned their spelling words using the app and generalized the spelling to paper and pencil. They maintained most of their stimuli and learned the majority of the nontarget information to which they were exposed. Findings are discussed in the context of using technology-aided instruction and interventions that incorporate systematic instruction to teach academics and deliver nontarget information.