Project career: Perceived benefits of iPad apps among college students with traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

Journal

Accession No.:

J77609

Journal:

Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment, and Rehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2017 , 58, 1, 45-50

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study examined perceived benefits of cognitive support technology (CST) in the form of iPad applications (apps) among college students with traumatic brain injury (TBI) after 6 and 12 months of use. This study used retrospective data collected as part of Project Career, a demonstration project designed to improve academic and employment success of undergraduate students with a TBI at two- and four-year colleges and universities. As part of Project Career, all participants are provided with an iPad and selected apps to support them in and out of the classroom. The apps for which data was collected included programs for note-taking, study support, planning, organization, behavioral/psychological support, and recreational activities. Participants included 50 college-aged students with TBI. Statistical analysis included data from two Matching Person and Technology assessment forms, including the Survey of Technology Use at baseline and the Assistive Technology Use Follow-Up Survey: Apps Currently Using, administered at 6- and 12-months re-evaluation. Analyses included frequencies and descriptives. Average scores at baseline indicated positive perspectives on technology. At 6 months, 67percent of participants reported that using iPad apps had moderate or a lot of improvement on their quality of life and 76 percent of participants reported that apps provided moderate or a lot of help with academic performance. At 12 months, quality of life (65 percent) and academics (82 percent) improved moderately or more from the use of iPad apps. Results suggest that, on average, students with a TBI have positive perspectives on the use of iPad apps.

Author(s):

Jacobs, K., Leopold, A., Hendricks, D. J., Sampson, E., Nardone, A., Lopez, K. B., Rumrill, P., Stauffer, C., Elias, E., Scherer, M., Dembe, J.