EDRS 823 PixWriter Pilot Research Fall 2009

      After trying to get through the HSRB maze to get research experience for four different classes, and getting farther along with each attempt, I was finally able to get a a taste of the research process from start to finish through this class. The HSRB application was submitted and five and a half weeks later the stamped consent and assent (1, 2, 3, & 4) forms arrived. I started the research that afternoon. I took the first parent survey and first child survey along with calendars full picture prompts, checklists (1, & 2), a variety of pens, pencils, lined and unlined paper, my computer laptop loaded with PixWriter and with an external mouse. After reviewing and signing the assent and consent forms, allowing the second-grader to choose her pseudonym, Viviana chose a card to randomly determine phase changes. She then chose materials and a picture prompt and wrote for four minutes.  The PixWriter software was open to a blank page for her first typed prompt. For each of the next 10 sessions Viviana used a set of cards to randomize the selection of the first condition.

       Although the results were inconclusive, an interesting possibility presented itself. According to her mother, Viviana did have difficulty with spelling and writing, however she was a good reader and did well in other aspects of schooling. Perhaps a child with difficulty in both reading and writing could benefit more from using picture to text software.  Also, 11 sessions may not have given enough time for the child to get used to using software.

      Other products used in this research were a second survey for the parent and child, a practice assessment data collection sheet for training other observers, a PowerPoint presentation was to visually represent the research, and the final paper for this course details the results, implications, and suggestions for future research.

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