Engaging students with intellectual disabilities through games based learning and related technologies

Studies within our research group have shown that Digital Games Based Learning (DGBL) can have a positive effect on some of the core development needs of people with intellectual disabilities and associated sensory impairments. Of current interest is the expansion of DGBL activities on mobile platforms. The RECALL Project describes the development and evaluation of a novel route learning system for people with disabilities using location based services (on the Android OS). Research has shown that route guidance systems suppress cognitive map development, and for a target audience described as having 'poor spatial skills', systems that develop route learning rather than guidance are required. Two studies are reported here. The first demonstrates that there were less navigational errors made, and less help required, in the more independent usage of the system, than in the earlier training stages. The second focusses on more qualitative evaluation of soft skills and personal development via the use of the system, and of the gamified version of the software. It looks specifically at how a playful approachcan aid the understanding of map based representations.