Computer-Assisted Instruction for Students with Learning Disabilities: Considerations for Practitioners

Effective computer-assisted instruction (CAI) for students with learning disabilities (LD) is contingent on the availability of good courseware. Practitioners intrested in using CAI to build speed and accuracy in basic skills are encouraged to consider two factors in selecting and using software with their pupils: the technical and instructional adequacy of the programs and the appropriateness of the materials for each student's individual educational plans. Following a description of findings from published LD-CAI research, sources of software reviews and suggested criteria for software evaluation are provided. Several principles of effective instruction that have been successfully incorporated in software are discussed.