"Using digital video to review and assess positive behaviour: Video recording positive interactions with three boys with autism"
What the resource is.
This Scottish resource is a web page with a video in 5 sections, with four video sections: Introduction page, Preparation [video extract], Learning aims page [video], The Lesson page [video] and Feedback page [video].The video shows a session at Dedridge Autism Base, a teacher and a nursery nurse are working with three boys with autism. First,they use a digital video camera to record the pupils' interaction in the soft play area. Then she uses iMovie to edit the footage, keeping only the positive interactions to show to two of the boys. The boys discuss what they did and how well they followed instructions during the activity. This session is also filmed and reviewed later with the teacher as part of her ongoing practice assessment.The teacher is a Video Interaction Guidance (VIG) supervisor. The aim of this programme is to improve communication and social skills using video. VIG practitioners work closely with pupils, parents and staff to capture good positive interactions on video. The nursery nurse, has just completed her training and is also a VIG Practitioner.The teachers states that the main aim of this project is to address the impairment that pupils with autism face when interacting and communicating with other pupils or adults, and their lack of flexibility. The issue is how this approach links in with interventions to develop social skills and understanding and whether any of these are actually on place. In England the SEAL initiative would be useful to harness for these learners as would the SULP (Social Use of Language Programme) programmes, working collaboratively with Speech and Language Therapists.
The aims of the resource.
The main aim is the use of ICT as a teaching tool for social interaction but also it becomes a tool for professional development for, the teacher and nursery nurse who reflect on their own practice as an outcome of watching the video.
Key findings or focus.
Both practitioners are very enthusiastic about the use of ICT/ Digital camera to highlight to children with ASD their strengths and developing needs in terms of social interaction. The resource uses the term ‘autistic boys' which suggests an approach in which the label counts more than the individuality of the child. It is difficult to assess the children's response as the video clip [The Lesson] is cut after 10 seconds [technical error? Accessed 28.06.07] So the focus becomes the professional development of the two staff, who have the opportunity to reflect on their approach to teaching social interaction.
The technology used here is digital video edited on a computer and although the examples given are based on the Mac computer and software similar results can be obtained using a digital camera plus a high capacity memory card or USB2 cable with windows based editing software such as Moviemaker.
The quality, authority and credibility of the resource.
The use of a digital camera with children in terms of developing social skills has relevance but consideration will need to be given to ethics and in particular cost implications in terms of equipment and training in different settings. As the video usage is edited disjointedly throughout it is difficult to evaluate the impact this has on the children. The staff give positive feedback and underline the value of the digital ICT usage in terms of own practice and teaching developments.
The implications for ITE tutors/mentors.This web based video may have implications as an innovative ICT tool and an aid for social communication programmes. This could be considered as an example of a useful tool for developing reflective practice for the educational practitioner. The example is from a specialist unit with a ratio of staff to pupils but the ideas could be applied to a mainstream setting by involving the children in the process of videoing as part of a social skills / ICT initiative. This would have to be handled sensitively and in a constructive manner.
The relevance to ITE students.This resource may be worthy of consideration in terms of awareness raising of new initiatives to enhance learning. For ongoing professional development, in particular with SENCO's and Speech Language Therapist involved in joint initiatives such a SULP, use of video feedback could be constructive.
Reviewed by:Allison GoddardRelated Resources
The following might be useful to read in conjunction with this resource:
Tilstone, C., Layton, L. ( 2004) Child Development and Teaching Pupils with Special Educational Needs. London: Routledge Chapter 8
Farrel, M. (2003) Understanding Special Educational Needs.London: Routledge Farmer - Chapter 7
Rinaldi, W (1995) Social Use of Language Programme
Slough NFER/Nelson
Keywords
Autism, ICT, Digital Camera, Social Interaction
Authors :
ICT in Education, Learning and Teaching Scotland
Publisher :
ICT in Education, Learning and Teaching Scotland
Article Id :
13789
Date Posted:
26/10/2007