Usability Testing of an Interactive Communication Tool to Help Children Express Their Cancer Symptoms

Objective: Sisom is an interactive computer software program that allows children to rate the severity of their cancer symptoms. The study objectives were to describe the usability of Sisom in terms of ease of use, usefulness, and aesthetics and to offer suggestions for improvement. Method: A multisite, descriptive study was conducted to describe the usability of Sisom. A purposive sample of children, ages 6 to 12 years, being treated for cancer was recruited. English- and French-speaking children completed the eight tasks in Sisom recorded using Morae software and provided input via an audiotaped interview. Data were downloaded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed descriptively. Results: Thirty-four children with varying cancers participated. The majority of children liked Sisom and found Sisom easy to use, found it to be helpful in expressing their symptoms, and were satisfied with the aesthetics. Some children provided suggestions for improvement to optimize Sisom use in Canada. Conclusions: Children’s positive responses and desire to use Sisom again suggest that future research should be directed toward implementing and evaluating its effectiveness in a variety of settings.

Fostering Mathematical Competence through Technology-Enhanced Interactive Environments

In this longitudinal research project, the authors traced the impact of a mathematics enrichment program on a group of approximately 80 middle and high school students as they worked on mathematical explorations using interactive computer software for three years. The results indicate that learning environments designed for children supported their development of mathematical practices emphasized by the CCSMP while increasing their exposure to and understanding of content standards.

Fostering Mathematical Competence through Technology-Enhanced Interactive Environments

In this longitudinal research project, the authors traced the impact of a mathematics enrichment program on a group of approximately 80 middle and high school students as they worked on mathematical explorations using interactive computer software for three years. The results indicate that learning environments designed for children supported their development of mathematical practices emphasized by the CCSMP while increasing their exposure to and understanding of content standards.

Computerized CBT for Adolescent Depression (“Stressbusters”) and its Initial Evaluation Through an Extended Case Series

Background: “Stressbusters” is an interactive computer software programme based on a clinically effective face-to-face CBT protocol for young people with depression. It was designed for teenagers with mild to moderate depression, and comprises eight 45-minute sessions. Method: Twenty-three young people (aged 12–16; mean age 14.87 years) with symptoms of depression were recruited from CAMHS teams in Manchester and London, and received the Stressbusters treatment (range 1 – 8 sessions, mode 8 sessions). Results: On the K-SADS at initial assessment, 95% met diagnostic criteria for a depressive disorder, with a high group mean score of 35.48 (SD 9.84) on the MFQ. Post-treatment, 22% of young people met criteria for a depressive disorder, with the group mean score on the MFQ falling significantly below clinical cut-off to 20.32 (SD 11.75). These gains were maintained at 3-month follow-up. Significant improvements were also found in the adolescents' global functioning (CGAS), self-reported anxiety (RCMAS), depressive cognitions and attributions (ATQ and CTI-C), and in adolescent- and parent-reported emotional and behavioural difficulties (SDQ). Conclusions: Taken together, these results provide promising preliminary data for the clinical efficacy of Stressbusters as a valid form of CCBT for adolescents with depression.

The Changing “Face” of Aphasia Therapy

Purpose: Clinicians and researchers are searching for cost effective ways to deliver intensive aphasia treatment. The purpose of this article is to describe one method of providing less costly but intensive treatment via a computer software program called AphasiaScripts TM . Method: First, we describe the unique, interactive computer software program developed for individuals with aphasia to practice conversations that have been individually scripted for them. In AphasiaScripts TM , an avatar serves as the virtual therapist or conversational partner. The simplicity of the user interface allows the person with aphasia to quickly learn how to use the program and to manage the level of supportive cueing needed. Second, we clarify the role of the speech-language pathologist in the light of new technology that allows the person with aphasia to practice these conversations intensively and independently. Conclusions: AphasiaScripts TM serves as an example of a software program that makes use of advanced computer technology, yet still requires the clinical expertise of the speech-language pathologist.

Use of Interactive Computer Software in Teaching Thermodynamics Fundamental Concepts

In recent years many publishing companies have provided optional computer software for engineering textbooks. Some of these software packages are tools for enhancing classroom instruction and others are capable of engineering analysis. Several software are currently available as an option with most engineering thermodynamics. They can be used for thermodynamic property evaluations and are extremely useful tools in analysis and design in introductory courses. They are also useful in teaching fundamental thermodynamic concepts. The most significant advantage of these software programs is that no prior knowledge of programming language is necessary in their applications. This paper will discuss the benefits associated with the use of computer software in introductory thermodynamics courses. Available software tools are compared and, in each case, their strengths and limitations are highlighted. The paper describes how one software tool has been integrated into our introductory thermodynamics course to teach the fundamental concepts. Several examples are provided.