Tweets, Texts, and Tablets: The Emergence of Technology-Based Self-Monitoring

Abstract

Students with behavior problems often lack the self-regulation skills necessary for success. One strategy shown to improve these skills is self-monitoring. Traditionally, self-monitoring has been done using paper and pencil, with some sort of prompt to complete the procedures. Prompts have involved teacher cues as well as technology. Current innovation has resulted in using technology to both prompt and record self-monitored behaviors. This column explores the literature on technology-based self-monitoring, describes steps in the self-monitoring process with considerations for incorporating technology, and offers a classroom example of a student with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder using a self-monitoring application (i.e., app) on an iPad to improve behavior.