Technology Evaluation/Case Study 1

Module 3: Technology Evaluation/Case Study

Hannah Collins

February 19, 2023

The groups impacted, their differences, and the technology (provide images too if you can) = 100/150 words + images.

The purpose of the study was to determine if augmented reality (AR) helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) complete daily living tasks. The group impacted consisted of adults with varying degrees of IDD. A group of 4 was selected from 15 adults, with only 3 completing the study. People with IDD often have limitations in adaptive functioning and functional living skills. Those who participated in the study had different diagnoses (Williams syndrome, Down syndrome, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). The technology utilized was HP reveal, which is an AR app for mobile devices that one can upload model videos. The participants would use an iPad with the AR app and point the camera toward their target, the task they wanted to complete. The iPad would then play a video of the task being completed with step-by-step stated and subtitled instructions. 

Describe the way in which the technology enables and supports the group(s) described.  Why is it important and is it supporting and enabling OR correcting and fixing? = 200/250 words.

HP Reveal with video modeling enables people with IDD by providing instructions to complete daily tasks. The participants in the study were taught ironing, making a bed, or setting an alarm. The step-by-step instructions walk the user through each stage of the task. This technology allows people with IDD to develop new skills without direct assistance. As a result, the users may complete the activity more independently.

AR is important because it helps to increase the independence of those with IDD by improving their performance of functional skills. Researchers found that AR intervention “was effective in teaching each participant the target independent living skill” (Bridges et al., 2019). The skills taught help individuals with IDD to perform more tasks on their own, allowing them to live more independently and not depend on assistance. Furthermore, AR provides a socially valid method of support; it is easy to use, teaches skills quickly, is helpful in different environments, and is not embarrassing to use. Social validity is important because, in order for the users to benefit from the technology, they must be comfortable using it.

One could argue that AR is a fix for IDD as it corrects the functioning skills of people with IDD. However, AR is more of a support tool as it enables people with IDD to perform more tasks unassisted. In other words, the person with a disability is not “fixed” by technology; instead, they are enabled to be more independent through the skills they learn.