This study examines the efficacy of robots as assistive technology (AT) learning tools for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study attempts to find answers to whether robots as assistive tools can (i) profoundly improve achievement in learning and (ii) provide valuable learning experiences among this group of children. Using LEGO Mindstorms EV3, a robot was built and programmed to teach the basic concept of place value in mathematics. Eight children with ASD, specifically, four females and four males, participated in the single case study, and six special education teachers took part in the interviews. The children participated in both traditional and robotic intervention lessons and were assessed at the end of each session. The results indicate a positive increase in content knowledge and an improved disposition toward learning, thus demonstrating the potential utilization of robots as AT tools for harnessing classroom learning. Data from the interviews with teachers highlighted four valuable learning experiences that occurred in the classrooms as a result of the robotic interventions; namely, with respect to young children with ASD, the AT (1) promoted interest and engagement, (2) increased attention and focus, (3) triggered interactions and communication, and (4) created a happy and fun learning environment.
30 August 2023 in Socio-Economic Planning Sciences
The COVID-19 pandemic is still a challenge in many countries, although life must proceed while ensuring the pandemic is managed critically. Due to the delay in producing permanent medical intervention, despite the availability of vaccines, there is still a need to depend on technology in performing several tasks. A systematic literature review that provides comprehensive evidence on technology dependence and the impact of technology on individuals during the pandemic is lacking. This study systematically reviewed scholarly works related to technology dependency from a broad view since the pandemic and mapped the research findings into a taxonomy, thus establishing the trend in technology type, major areas of technology dependency, and the impact of technology during the pandemic. The mapped taxonomy is used to expound on open challenges and recommendations. The final set from the systematic search was 76 articles. Technology might be an avenue for administering and enhancing health services, improving outreaches, and supporting curbing the spread of diseases. However, the impact of technology dependence is both positive and negative. A systematic mapping was conducted to explore the literature on the impacts of technology, where there is a need for further research. Notwithstanding the category, most of the reviewed articles emphasized the usage and impact of technology at such a time of the pandemic and provided insights on the manner of addressing them. Realistically, there has been an acceleration of digitalization trends in the present era of the COVID-19 pandemic and the possibility of rapid development of novel digital technologies.
21 December 2021 in Knowledge Management Research & Practice
Organisations invest in a considerable number of resources towards implementing Enterprise Content Management Systems (ECMS), expecting productive outcomes from the ECMS utilisation. A well-designed ECMS is impressive and deserves admiration, but to the organisations the ECMS limited value is often a major highlight. This motivates this study to understand how sustainable investment in Enterprise Content Management (ECM) technologies could support organisational Agile Business Processes (ABP). In studying how different organisation types utilise ECMS, the research employs a cross-sectional multiple-case studies approach with participation of seven large-scaled organisations. An investigation and an exploration into how these organisations interacted with ECMS are pivotal to the research. Based on the qualitative data analysis, this study proposes a sustainable ECMS-use framework that explains how ABP could benefit from it. Essentially, the framework enlightens researchers and practitioners to leverage ECM technologies for different work practices supporting ABP and organisational structures.