Effectiveness of smart toy applications in teaching children with intellectual disability

Abstract

Play is an important element in a child's social and intellectual development and toys are indispensable play tools. This study investigates the effectiveness of smart toys in teaching social studies concepts to children with intellectual disability (ID). A single-subject design is used to identify such effects on teaching social studies concepts to children with ID with the help of smart toys developed within this study. The smart toys are also developed within the scope of present work. Three special education teachers and three children with moderate ID participated in the study, which was carried out in two schools in Turkey. According to the results, smart toys have a positive effect in teaching social studies concepts to children with moderate ID which is significant in development of academic and social skills for individuals with ID.