09 Apr Research Project Instructions Literature Review on Assistive Technology

1. In week 4, you will select an assistive technology and begin finding some information on the technology of your choice.

 

2. Professor will approve your technology after week 4. Once your selection is approved, you can begin to work on the project.

 

3. Log onto the FNU library and find research on your assistive technology. Take notes based on what you find. Make sure to keep track of every source that you use. Think about the following: who is the technology for? How is the technology used? How accessible is the technology? Has the technology been tested? Is there effectiveness or efficacy of the technology? What are some pros and cons of this technology?

 

4. In weeks 5 & 6 you will compile your information into a 5-7 page informational research paper on your technology using APA format. The next page will provide the structure of the paper.

 

5. Utilize all of your resources, tutoring services, Grammarly, Spellcheck, APA Handbook, etc. You will want to make sure you proofread your paper several times before turning it in.

 

6. Your paper will be due at the end of Week 6.

 

Research Project Structure

 

1. Introduction a. 1-2 paragraphs describing the background to your assistive

 

technology. How long has it been around? When was it created? Who created it? Why was it created? Why is it important?

 

b. Thesis statement: Your introduction should end with your thesis statement that gives direction of the paper. For example, This paper will study the use and efficacy of SMART Boards for students with visual impairments.

 

2. History of the Assistive Technology a. 1-3 paragraphs discussing how this technology came about. If there

 

are early iterations of the technology, start there. For example, before Spotify and Pandora there were iPods and mp3 players.

 

b. Think about how the technology in the world at the time may have influenced this technology to come about.

 

c. What were people using before this technology came around? 3. Target Population

 

a. 1-2 paragraphs describing the population this device is intended for. b. Does this population have physical or mental limitations or both? c. Is there a specific classification it is intended for? For example,

 

students with Intellectual Disabilities can be classified into mild, severe, etc.

 

d. Is there a suggested age range that is appropriate for using this device?

 

4. Description of How [Your Device] Works a. 2-4 paragraphs about how the device works b. Does it need to be powered on? c. Does it attach to furniture or to a wheelchair? d. Does the user need assistance with using it? e. Is it an interactive device or would a user only use it on their own?

 

5. Research that Examined Usage of [Your Device] a. 2-5 paragraphs discussing research on the device you selected b. Was the research performed on the target population? c. Was the technology effective?

 

d. Did they discuss the ease of use? e. What were the suggestions that the researchers stated in their work?

 

How did they suggest people use this technology? f. Were there pros or cons found about your device? g. Was there future research needed on the device?

 

6. Conclusion a. 1-2 paragraphs summarizing the information from your paper b. Discuss the major takeaways about this device

 

7. References a. A full APA Reference list of every source that you cited in your paper

 

Research Project Grading

 

You will be graded on 5 main criteria:

 

40% Introduction & History

 

40% Intended Population, Description & Research on Device

 

10% Conclusion

 

10% APA Format

 

10% Grammar/Sentence Structure