Abstract:

This research aimed to determine the effectiveness of using "Go Talk Now" App, through the group play strategy and evidence-based practices (reinforcement and time delay) in developing and retaining the interactive initiative skill of female students with intellectual disability. To achieve this goal, the researcher utilized a single subject design particularly a multiple prob design across participants. Three female students with intellectual disability, who were enrolled in the second grade of primary inclusion school in Abha, participated in this research. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of using the "Go Talk Now" App through a group play strategy and evidence-based practices (reinforcement and time delay) in improving interactive initiative skill among the three participants. The results also illustrated that the performance of the participants in the intervention stage has improved significantly compared to their performance in the baseline; and there were positive results regarding the retention of the skill. The researcher recommends encouraging teachers to employ evidence-based practices and assistive technology such as "iPad" in teaching students with intellectual disability and improving their social skills. The researcher suggests that this research be re-conducted to other samples from various regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Keywords:

GO Talk Now", Group play, Intellectual disability, Interactive initiative skill, iPad, Evidence-based practices.