Please join speech-language pathologist and president of Imagine Speech, Anne Coady, in a discussion on research and strategies to facilitate language learning with computer games. The focus of the presentation will be on how computer games and technology assist children. Discussion of current research will include evidence based practices such as applied behavioral analysis and multi-modality learning.  This program will highlight ways to employ motivating computer games to teach pragmatic, receptive, and expressive language skills to children. 

Videoconference Outline

• Introduction (10 minutes)
  A short description of the points of the presentation and a brief overview of pragmatic, receptive, and expressive language.  A discussion of concerns about using computers to teach as well as an overview of the current research on using computers to teach language skills. Please also have one representative prepared to introduce the participants at your site.
• Overview of Research (5 minutes)
  Anne Coady will discuss research motivation and following the child’s lead in relation to teaching.
• Pragmatic Language (10 minutes)
  Discussion of why pragmatic language skills are important and how computers can help us teach implicit and complex social language skills.
• Software Programs and Discrete Trial Training (15 minutes)
  Application of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) in software programs, positive feedback and discrete trial training.
• Break (10 minutes)
• Multimodality learning (5 minutes)
  Discussion of current research and use of computers to increase multimodality learning for students.
• Receptive language skills (10 minutes)
  Discussion of how computers can facilitate the teaching of receptive language skills.
• Expressive language skills (5 minutes)
  Discussion of how computers can facilitate the teaching of expressive language skills.
• Utilizing computers in the school setting (15 minutes)
  Discussion of how computers can be utilized in the classroom and school settings to aid in the teaching of language skills.
• Conclusions/Question and Answer Session (10 minutes)

Pre-Videoconference Activities:

• Please review and write down current ways you use computers and technology to teach in your classroom.
• Please explain your interaction and relationship with a school based speech-language pathologist.

About Anne Coady

Anne Coady is the president and founder of Imagine Speech, LLC. Anne received her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Vanderbilt University's School of Medicine and has a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Anne has worked in medical and school settings and treated children with a variety of communication delays and disorders including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. During her time at Vanderbilt, Anne received a grant to help people who have traumatic brain injuries increase communication skills. She has given lectures on the topics of stuttering and autism to colleagues and parents.

About Imagine Speech

The goal of Imagine Speech is to provide engaging video game software that focuses on speech-language skills for children. Each game is evidence based and designed on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis and having children learn through success. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome, learning disabilities, developmental delays, and other communication disorders may benefit from Imagine Speech games. Children without specialized needs may enjoy Imagine Speech games too!