An Imaginative Learning Approach to Using the Computer: An Insight with the Special Needs Children

By Normaliza Abd Rahim, Zaitul Azma Zainon Hamzah, Normahdiah S. Said and Norizan Che Su.

Published by The International Journal of Learning

Format	Price
Article: Print	$US10.00
Article: Electronic	$US5.00

This research focuses on the process engaged in by a group of dyslexia learners, to create learning materials by using the ‘Imaginative Learning Approach’. This research investigates the nature, number and balance of interactions of the 40 subjects and further investigates the content of discussion and reactions which occurred while using the learning approach. The participants consisted of 40 subjects (Level 1- ages between 7 to 9) with dyslexia from five schools in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Subjects were given an imaginative corner where they made believed and created scenarios. The creation will be according to the theme given for the week, for instance, ‘Shop’. They were given the props and made believed the situation at the shop. They transferred the situation to a storyboard with the help of the researcher. The subjects created a short story based on situations by using the ‘Clicker 5’ programme. ‘Clicker 5’ is a programme where subjects are able to create their own writing. Most importantly, subjects were given the chance to choose their own words to write the story. The ‘Imaginative Learning Approach’ was introduced to enhance learning the English language and therefore to encourage subjects in collaborating with their peers. It was found that dyslexia learners were able to collaborate with peers in ‘Imaginative Learning Approach’.

Keywords:	Special Educational Needs, Imaginative Learning Approach

The International Journal of Learning, Volume 14, Issue 3, pp.1-8. Article: Print (Spiral Bound). Article: Electronic (PDF File; 554.973KB).

Dr. Normaliza Abd Rahim

Lecturer, Department of Malay Language, Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, MALAYSIA

Dr. Normaliza Abd Rahim is currently the coordinator for the Translation and Intepretation and Language Technology Lecturer at Universiti Putra Malaysia. Due to her keen interest in language technology in teaching and learning, and her wide experience in teaching the English language courses, she was appointed as the consultant for curriculum development for private universities and colleges in one of the states in Malaysia. As such, she provides assistance in developing activities to enhance the usage of English language by using the computer amongst the students in the university. She is also interested on special educational needs children where at present she is the consultant for one of the states in Malaysia. She involves voluntarily in giving advice to parents and teachers of the special needs.

Dr. Zaitul Azma Zainon Hamzah

Lecturer, Department of Malay Language, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, MALAYSIA

Holds a Doctoral Degree in Semantic and Pragmatic. Areas of interest are Pragmatics in Children, Semantic and Translation. Currently supervsing Ph.D students mastering the Teaching and Learning of Malay Language.

Dr. Normahdiah S. Said

Lecturer, Department of the Malay Language, Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, MALAYSIA

PhD in Cognitive Ergonomics of Human Computer Interaction (HCI, Loughborough University, UK. M Ed. in Educational Technology & Media in Education, Uinversity of Wales, Aberystwyth, UK. B. Ed. (TESL) Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia. Area of speciality: Interactive Multimedia, Cognitive Ergonomics, HCI, Educational Technology, Media in Education, Language Technology, Text Design and Interface Design. Recent research interest: Developing further research on the engagement model; Designing multimedia learning applications for children & teenagers; Designing digital story telling environment.

Norizan Che Su

Lecturer, Department of Foreign Language, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, MALAYSIA

Hold a degree in the Teaching of Thai from University of Ramkhamheang, Thailand. Has recently obtained MA degree in Sociolinguistic. Has produced several texts on Mastering of Thai language. Has presented several papers on issues related to Teaching Thai as a Foreign Language; and translation of Thai classical texts.

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