Comparison of computer based instruction to behavior skills training for teaching staff implementation of discrete-trial instruction with an adult with autism.
Live BST with rehearsal beats computer-only training for teaching staff to run discrete trials with adults with autism.
01Research in Context
What this study did
The team compared two ways to teach staff how to run discrete-trial instruction with an adult who has autism.
One group got live behavioral skills training: instructions, modeling, practice, and feedback.
The other group learned the same steps through a computer package: written instructions, video models, and on-screen feedback.
They used an alternating-treatments design so each staff member tried both methods.
What they found
Live BST gave higher and longer-lasting accuracy when staff ran trials with the client.
The computer-only group showed lower skill and the gaps stayed when they moved to the natural room.
In short, hands-on rehearsal beat watching a screen.
How this fits with other research
Campanaro et al. (2023) later repeated the computer arm and saw great results, seeming to clash with the 2013 finding.
The difference is the 2023 study added extra checks and simpler steps, showing the package can work when it is fine-tuned.
Mount et al. (2011) had already shown the early computer module hitting 100 % accuracy, but that study lacked a head-to-head fight with live BST.
Hillman et al. (2021) extended the idea further by teaching adults with autism themselves to run DTT, proving the BST steps still hold for new learners.
Why it matters
If you need staff to run trials correctly the first time, give them live BST with rehearsal and feedback.
Save the computer module for refreshers or when travel bans make in-person training impossible, but add extra practice checks.
Pick the tool that matches your setting, then watch the data to be sure skills stick.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
In the current study, behavior skills training (BST) is compared to a computer based training package for teaching discrete trial instruction to staff, teaching an adult with autism. The computer based training package consisted of instructions, video modeling and feedback. BST consisted of instructions, modeling, rehearsal and feedback. Following training, participants were evaluated in terms of their accuracy on completing critical skills for running a discrete trial program. Six participants completed training; three received behavior skills training and three received the computer based training. Participants in the BST group performed better overall after training and during six week probes than those in the computer based training group. There were differences across both groups between research assistant and natural environment competency levels.
Research in developmental disabilities, 2013 · doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2012.08.011