Effects of iPod Touch™ Technology as Communication Devices on Peer Social Interactions across Environments
G. Richmond Mancil, Elizabeth R. Lorah and Peggy Schaefer Whitby
Abstract: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the use of the iPod Touch™ as a Speech Generated Device (SGD) for Functional Communication Training (FCT). The evaluation of the effects on problem behavior, the effects on generalization and maintenance of the acquired communication repertoire, and the social initiations of peers between the new SGD (iPod TouchÔ) and traditional devices were conducted. The study demonstrated that the iPod Touch™ produces higher levels of peer interactions when compared to the Dynavox. These effects maintained and generalized for all three participants. Additionally, the use of the iPod Touch™ as a SGD is effective for the use of FCT. Finally, the study offered support for the social validity of the use of the iPod Touch™ and application GoTalk as a SGD, as all teachers and student participants demonstrated preference for the device when compared to the Dynavox as a SGD.