Description

Abstract

Modern digital technologies such as apps, hardware, and adaptive devices can help persons with autism learn new skills and provide opportunities for practice, application, and problem-solving. These tools can individualize learning, and help learners schedule their day, participate in socialization opportunities with peers close by or across the globe, help and even help them find a voice. We now can know in “real time” what’s been learned or what might need more attention. Learners reap greatest benefit from technology when their teachers apply knowledge of behavioral concepts/principals to select and use these tools. Several digital and hardware technology tools will be reviewed within the categories of instruction/academics, social skills/behavior management, and communication/information. During demonstrations and interactive activities participants will learn about various applications and tools, identify any correspondence with evidence-based behavioral principles, and evaluate if and how each might be useful in their instructional context.

About the Speaker

Dr. Janet Twyman is an education innovator, thought leader, and founder of Blast: a learning sciences company. She’s also the Director of Innovation and Technology for the Center on Innovations in Learning, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Univ. of Mass. Medical School, and formerly the Vice President of Instructional Development, Research, & Implementation at Headsprout. Her numerous articles, book chapters, and presentations cover behavior analysis, instructional design, technology, and educational systems; she also co-edited two books on educational innovation and personalized learning. She has presented to and worked with education systems, organizations, and institutions over 40 states and countries, including speaking about technologies for diverse learners and settings at the United Nations. She serves on several boards and committees, and co-chairs the education group for the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies. In 2007-08 she served as the President of the Association for Behavior Analysis and in 2014 was named an ABAI Fellow. For her distinguished contributions to educational research and practice she received the 2015 Wing Award for Evidence-based Education and the 2017 American Psychological Association Division 25 Fred S. Keller Behavioral Education Award.