School & Classroom

Improving learning with science and social studies text using computer-based concept maps for students with disabilities.

Ciullo et al. (2015) · Behavior modification 2015
★ The Verdict

Interactive concept maps give elementary students with learning disabilities a quick boost in science and social studies learning.

✓ Read this if BCBAs helping elementary students with LD in general-ed classrooms.
✗ Skip if Clinicians working on vocal or motor skills only.

01Research in Context

01

What this study did

Kellett et al. (2015) tested interactive computer-based concept maps with elementary students who have learning disabilities.

The team used a multiple-baseline-across-participants design. Each child got the maps after a different baseline length.

Science and social studies lessons stayed the same. Only the way kids organized ideas changed.

02

What they found

Students learned more facts and concepts when they built the on-screen maps.

Gains showed up right after the maps were added and stayed high.

03

How this fits with other research

Shih (2014), Shih (2012), and Shih (2011) all used the same design and mouse-wheel tech. They taught typing and drag-and-drop instead of academics. Together they show the same tool path can lead to either basic skills or content learning.

Connell et al. (2004) and Debnath et al. (2023) also used computers to open doors for kids with disabilities. E et al. targeted vocal sounds; Saswati targeted speech recognition. The thread: custom software keeps shrinking barriers.

No clashes appear. Each study just widens the map of what computer aids can do.

04

Why it matters

You already have reading passages. Add a free concept-map website and let kids drag ideas into webs. It takes five minutes to set up and gives instant visuals that stick. Try it during one science unit and track quiz scores—you should see the same jump Stephen found.

Free CEUs

Want CEUs on This Topic?

The ABA Clubhouse has 60+ free CEUs — live every Wednesday. Ethics, supervision & clinical topics.

Join Free →
→ Action — try this Monday

Open a free concept-map site, show the class how to drag the main idea to the center, and let them build the web as they read.

02At a glance

Intervention
other
Design
multiple baseline across participants
Population
mixed clinical
Finding
positive

03Original abstract

Concept maps have been used to help students with learning disabilities (LD) improve literacy skills and content learning, predominantly in secondary school. However, despite increased access to classroom technology, no previous studies have examined the efficacy of computer-based concept maps to improve learning from informational text for students with LD in elementary school. In this study, we used a concurrent delayed multiple probe design to evaluate the interactive use of computer-based concept maps on content acquisition with science and social studies texts for Hispanic students with LD in Grades 4 and 5. Findings from this study suggest that students improved content knowledge during intervention relative to a traditional instruction baseline condition. Learning outcomes and social validity information are considered to inform recommendations for future research and the feasibility of classroom implementation.

Behavior modification, 2015 · doi:10.1177/0145445514552890