By Paula S. Cochran, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, with contributions by Christine L. Appert, Ed.D., ATP

How can computers help speech-language pathologists improve intervention and assessment? Now there are practical, nontechnical answers in one easy-to-follow book. You’ll learn new ways of using computers to benefit the people you serve, and you’ll discover ready-to-use strategies for making the most of computer technology. Paula Cochran, an expert in technology applications for communication disorders, guides you through key competencies that help you

• use computers to improve the language and literacy skills of children and adults
  
  
• use computer-based materials to improve communication
  
  
• generate personalized clinical materials to enhance intervention
  
  
• supplement the feedback you give individuals with computer-based visuals or audio
  
  
• adapt computer access and maximize clinical use of handheld computers and Internet resources
  
  
• streamline diagnosis of communication disorders with computer-based instruments

To help you master the competencies, you’ll find examples of clinical activities and extensive suggestions for matching current software to therapy goals. With the help of this timely guidebook, you’ll harness the power of today’s technology to conduct more effective assessment and intervention for people with communication disorders.

Note to instructors: Exercises and questions for discussion make this an ideal textbook for undergraduate and graduate students in speech-language pathology courses.

Section I: Clinical Computing Competency: The Big Picture

1. Clinical Computing Competency vs. Computer Literacy
2. Ten Recommended Clinical Computing Competencies
3. Getting Started: Principles for Integrating Computers Into Intervention

Section II: Using a Computer as an Instructor

4. Introduction to Using the Computer as an Instructor
5. Using Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) with Children
6. Using Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) with Adults

Section III: Using a Computer as a Context for Conversation

7. Introduction to Using a Computer as a Context for Conversation
8. Using a Computer as a Context for Conversation with Young Children
9. Using a Computer as a Context for Conversation with School-Age Children
10. Using a Computer as a Context to Facilitate Literacy
11. Using a Computer as a Context to Facilitate Advanced Language and Literacy Skills
12. Using a Computer as a Context for Conversation with Adolescents and Adults
13. Selecting Software for Use in Speech and Language Intervention
14. PROFESSIONAL ISSUE: Understanding Software Licensing

Section IV: Using a Computer to Generate Therapy Materials

15. Introduction to Using a Computer to Generate Therapy Materials
16. Using Utilities and Templates to Generate Therapy Materials
17. Creating and Using Digital Resource Libraries: Pictures, Clip Art, and Photographs
18. Multimedia Explorations: Resource Editors
19. Using Authoring Tools to Develop Computer-Based Therapy Materials
20. PROFESSIONAL ISSUE: Understanding Copyright Laws

Section V: Using a Computer as a Feedback Device

21. Introduction to Using a Computer as a Feedback Device
22. Computer-Based Analysis and Feedback for Voice
23. Computer-Based Feedback for Speech Sounds
24. Computer-Based Feedback for Fluency, Resonance, and Swallowing
25. PROFESSIONAL ISSUE: Human Perceptions versus Computer-Based Feedback

Section VI: Getting Connected: Telepractice, the Internet, and PDAs

26. Introduction to Telepractice and Using the Internet in Clinical Practice
27. Choosing and Using a Hand-Held Computer or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
28. How Clinicians Use Hand-Held Computers and PDAs
29. How Clients Use Hand-Held Computers and PDAs

Section VII: Using a Computer as a Diagnostic Tool

30. Introduction to Using a Computer as a Diagnostic Tool
31. Using a Computer to Assist with Language Sample Analysis: Transcription and Coding
32. Using a Computer to Assist with Language Sample Analysis: Analysis and Interpretation
33. Using a Computer to Assist with Speech Sample Analysis
34. Using a Computer to Assist with Test Administration and Scoring
35. PROFESSIONAL ISSUE: Using Computer-Assisted Test Interpretation

Section VIII: Adapted Access to Computers: Assistive Technology
with Christine Appert

36. Introduction to Adapted Access to Computers
37. Federal Legislation and Public Policy Related to Assistive Technology
38. Standard Computer Access Options
39. Speech Recognition
40. How to Adapt Computer Access
41. Choosing Assistive Technology and Making it Work: A Team Approach
42. Funding Assistive Technology
43. PROFESSIONAL ISSUE: Barriers to Adoption of Assistive Technology

Conclusion
References
Appendix: Sources for Hardware and Software