Development of a prototype for early identification children with specific learning disabilities

Abstract

Early identification of children who may at risk of having difficulties in learning is crucial in order to assist them in overcoming barriers to learn. The adoption of computer related information technology has been greatly explored to support specific learning disabilities children. However, current computer-based support systems are lacking to guide parents and teachers with information about the children with the specific learning disabilities. The early awareness of learning disabilities problems will help the parents and teachers to take suitable action for their children’s academic and social development. Thus in this paper, a computer-based prototype for early identification children with specific learning disabilities using ontology (e-SLD) is developed and evaluated in terms of its usability based on Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) factors. The research methodology consists of two main phases including software development life cycle and usability testing. The findings shows positive feedbacks of the prototype in terms of its usability, in which the average of 70% of the respondents agreed with the system’s performance expectancy, 72% of the respondents agreed with the system in terms of its effort expectancy, 68% of the respondents agreed with the system in terms of its social influence and around 72% of the respondents agreed that e-SLD is a tool to screening and recommending suitable activity of specific learning disabilities children.