Advisor

Bauer, Jeff

Advisor

Perrett, Jamis

Committee Member

Jackson, Lewis

Committee Member

Pulos, Steven

Department

Graduate Interdisciplinary Degree Program

Institution

University of Northern Colorado

Type of Resources

Text

Place of Publication

Greeley (Colo.)

Publisher

University of Northern Colorado

Date Created

5-1-2010

Genre

Thesis

Extent

186 pages

Digital Origin

Born digital

Description

The purpose of this study was to explore differences in perceived cognitive load experienced by sighted teachers-in-training using manual or electronic braille assistive technology devices to learn literary braille. Ninety-four participants from 18 personnel preparation programs across the United States and Canada participated in this study. Data were collected between August 2008 and June 2009 using the NASA-Task Load Index, the National Literary Braille Competency Test, and semi-structured interviews. There were no statistically significant differences found between the technology groups in the quantitative measures of cognitive load or in literary braille proficiency according to the National Literary Braille Competency Test standard. However, interview data did indicate qualitative differences in perceived mental demand, frustration, and temporal demand between the technology groups. Statistically significant differences were found to exist within the sample with regard to previous braille experience and college term on three quantitative measures. MANOVA effect sizes (partial eta squared) ranged from 0 .01 to 0.15.

Degree type

EdD

Degree Name

Doctoral

Language

English

Local Identifiers

Farnsworth_unco_0161N_10025

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by author.

COinS