Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) for Typing Skill Training for People with Mild Mental Handicap: A Pilot Study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of a computer-assisted instruction (CAI) programme for typing skill training for people with mild-grade mental handicap (MH).MethodsEighteen participants with mild-grade MH were recruited in this pilot study. Each participant was given the training once every week for a total of 3 weeks, each session lasting for 90 minutes. The training programme was a CAI programme with visual search strategies to enhance typing skills of people with MH. Their typing abilities were assessed before the training, and 1 week and 4 weeks after the training programme. Using one-way repeated measures ANOVA, typing speed and accuracy rate were compared.ResultsSignificant differences were found on typing speed and accuracy (p < 0.001) after the 3-week CAI programme. High levels of accuracy and significant improvement in typing speed might indicate that automatic processing might have occurred.ConclusionThis study supported the role of visual search strategies and demonstrated a positive effective of CAI in enhancing functional performance among people with MH.