Sarune Savickaite, Tammy-Ann Husselman, Rebecca Taylor, Elliot Millington, Emma Hayashibara, T. Arthur
{"title":"Applications of virtual reality (VR) in autism research: current trends and taxonomy of definitions","authors":"Sarune Savickaite, Tammy-Ann Husselman, Rebecca Taylor, Elliot Millington, Emma Hayashibara, T. Arthur","doi":"10.1108/jet-05-2022-0038","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/jet-05-2022-0038","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeRecent work could further improve the use of VR technology by advocating the use of psychological theories in task design and highlighting certain properties of VR configurations and human – VR interactions. The variety of VR technology used in the trials prevents us from establishing a systematic relationship between the technology type and its effectiveness. As such, more research is needed to study this link, and our piece is an attempt to shed a spotlight on the issue.Design/methodology/approachTo explore recent developments in the field, the authors followed the procedures of scoping review by Savickaite et al. (2022) and included publications from 2021 to 2022.FindingsIn this updated analysis, it was clear that the research themes emerging over the last two years were similar to those identified previously. Social training and intervention work still dominates the research area, in spite of recent calls from the autism community to broaden the scientific understanding of neurodivergent experiences and daily living behaviours. Although, autism is often characterised by difficulties with social interactions, it is just one part of the presentation. Sensory differences, motor difficulties and repetitive behaviours are also important facets of the condition, as well as various wider aspects of health, wellbeing and quality of life. However, many of these topics appear to be understudied in research on VR applications for autism.Originality/valueVR stands out from other representational technologies because of its immersion, presence and interactivity and has grown into its own niche. The question of what constitutes a truly immersive experience has resurfaced. We can no longer deny that VR has established itself in autism research. As the number of studies continues to grow, it is a perfect time to reconsider and update our notion of definitions of immersion and its reliance on hardware.","PeriodicalId":42168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Enabling Technologies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41897802","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lukas Hellwig, Lisa Preissner, J. Pawlowski, W. Deiters
{"title":"How digital fabrication technologies within digitalized innovation environments lead to participative aid development","authors":"Lukas Hellwig, Lisa Preissner, J. Pawlowski, W. Deiters","doi":"10.1108/jet-01-2022-0013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/jet-01-2022-0013","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeFacilities such as FabLabs and Makerspaces are characterized by the facilities' wide range of digital fabrication technologies as well as facilities' interdisciplinary user base and collaborative problem solving and product development. These possibilities can also hold great potential for people with disabilities who have a specific need for assistive technology. Since there are no established models of such participatory development processes (PDP) within digitalized innovation environments (DIE), this study intends to provide a comprehensive understanding of these processes along with the influencing factors.Design/methodology/approachThrough a cooperation with a Thalidomide Association, various PDPs were accompanied within a DIE and interviews were conducted with 16 stakeholders involved. Hereby, the perspective of thalidomide-affected people (5) as well as the supporting makers (6) and experts (5) were taken into account. Through a subsequent structured analysis, various dimensions as well as relevant influencing factors could be identified.FindingsIn total, 33 paraphrases could be formed in 8 categories and four dimensions concerning the PDPs investigated. In addition, 17 paraphrases on potentials and challenges could be extracted through generalization.Originality/valueDue to findings' holistic approach, the findings form an empirical basis for further research into this still very young research topic and represent a first step toward theory building. By the applicability of the identified influencing factors an important contribution can be made to the supply of aids and the inclusion of people with disabilities.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon 10.1108/JET-01-2022-0013","PeriodicalId":42168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Enabling Technologies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44428221","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
G. Lorenzo, Alba Gilabert Cerdá, A. Lorenzo-Lledó, A. Lledó
{"title":"The application of augmented reality in the learning of autistic students: a systematic and thematic review in 1996–2020","authors":"G. Lorenzo, Alba Gilabert Cerdá, A. Lorenzo-Lledó, A. Lledó","doi":"10.1108/jet-12-2021-0068","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/jet-12-2021-0068","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeMore and more diversity is present in our classrooms. As teachers, we must be able to respond to the different levels of learning presented by our students. Therefore, it is necessary to use the new emerging technologies as elements of response. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to develop a systematic and thematic review of the application of augmented reality (AR) in the learning of autistic students in the educational setting during the period 1996–2020 using the Web of Science and Scopus databases.Design/methodology/approachFor this purpose, one of the bibliometric techniques called systematic and thematic review has been used. This technique is supported by the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews methodology, and it uses a quantitative and qualitative approach. The thematic analysis will be carried out on 28 documents based on a series of indicators, including sample size, hardware devices, way of storing the information and findings obtained in the research.FindingsThe results of the work indicate that the average size of the sample is three participants, and that the most worked area has been social skills using tablets. In addition, bookmarks are often used as an element of information storage in AR.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this work focuses on the establishment of a series of thematic variables that will serve for the later development of an action protocol for the creation of AR activities for autistic students.","PeriodicalId":42168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Enabling Technologies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49356662","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tamari Lukava, D. Z. Morgado Ramirez, G. Barbareschi
{"title":"Two sides of the same coin: accessibility practices and neurodivergent users' experience of extended reality","authors":"Tamari Lukava, D. Z. Morgado Ramirez, G. Barbareschi","doi":"10.1108/jet-03-2022-0025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/jet-03-2022-0025","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis paper explores the accessibility barriers faced by neurodivergent individuals regarding the use of Extended Reality (XR) technologies and the difficulties faced by developers in creating neurodivergent inclusive XR experiences.Design/methodology/approachThe authors carried out a survey with neurodivergent participants, and a series of semi-structured interviews with neurodivergent adults and XR developers.FindingsNeurodivergent individuals experience sensory overload when using XR technologies; these negative experiences are exacerbated by excessive multisensory stimulation. Allowing for the customization of sensory settings was seen as the only way to potentially limit negative experiences. The authors found that XR developers lacked awareness of accessibility requirements and struggled to integrate them in current software development practices.Social implicationsAccessibility understanding regarding neurodivergence is increasingly available and the time has come to bring computing and information services within the reach of all neurodivergent individuals. The power in the design of XR, which is crucial, is decentralized from neurotypical XR developing practices to avoid artificial barriers that decrease the quality of life.Originality/valueThere is a lack of studies exploring how neurodivergent individuals experience XR considering their different sensory processing patterns. There is also no research exploring XR developers' awareness of accessibility needs of neurodivergent individuals. This paper presents an account of the challenges faced by neurodivergent XR users, the difficulties faced by XR developers to integrate neurodivergent accessibility requirements, and proposes specific strategies to overcome challenges.","PeriodicalId":42168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Enabling Technologies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42053116","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A new era in psychiatry: the impacts of COVID-19 and the shift to telepsychiatry on clinical practice and clinician well-being","authors":"Lauren Celentano, Kristina Brenisin, K. Breen","doi":"10.1108/jet-11-2021-0053","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/jet-11-2021-0053","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has actively changed the face of all medical disciplines, including mental health practices. In a matter of days from the introduction of the lockdown, clinicians have to adapt to new working models with many changing the consultation methods clinicians have utilized for years. To best understand the wider clinical impact, a limited study was carried out to assess the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on psychiatric clinical practice.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative study was performed to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on clinician practice at a UK secure care mental health facility. A four-question free-text survey was distributed online to all physicians and seven responses were analyzed using thematic analysis.FindingsFour key themes were identified – use of technology, the importance of face-to-face contact, work/life balance and mental well-being.Practical implicationsOverall, the results of the study reported that although some negative changes to the traditional work–life balance were identified, the clinicians found remote working within a secure care setting cultivated a more efficient working environment while allowing for more effective social distance practices.Originality/valueThis study highlighted some of the challenges faced by clinicians employed in a secure care mental health setting following the introduction of lockdown measures in the UK associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The study will also inform future work practices, including the potential of longer term remote working in this sector.","PeriodicalId":42168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Enabling Technologies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49072079","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Using immersive virtual reality with autistic pupils: moving towards greater inclusion and co-participation through ethical practices","authors":"N. Newbutt, Ryan Bradley","doi":"10.1108/jet-01-2022-0010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/jet-01-2022-0010","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe potential of head mounted displays based virtual reality (HMD-based VR) for autistic groups has been well documented. However, the deployment and application of this technology, especially in schools, has been extremely limited. One of the main criticisms in this field has been the lack of involvement from practitioners in research on educational approaches for autistic populations and the gap between research and practice in real-life settings.Design/methodology/approachThis conceptual article focuses on our research in a UK-based special needs school that sought to examine the effects and potential use of VR-HMDs, while seeking to establish best practices for safe and ethical application using this technology. This draws upon ethical and participatory research guidance, including British Educational Research Association and Autism Participatory Research.FindingsThe authors make recommendations on planning and implementing a participatory, safe and ethical approach to researching the use of VR-HMDs in special needs schools and engaging with the priorities of autistic children and young people and their teachers.Originality/valueThis conceptual article provides an initial first consideration of ways we can better include autistic people and their views in research that is with and about them. The value in this will mean we are able to better support autistic groups moving ahead using VR HMD-based technologies. Without this paradigm shift and including autistic people (and their stakeholders) the field might continue to build initiatives around medical-based models of disabilities rather that what the community need/want.","PeriodicalId":42168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Enabling Technologies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44851593","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring patient's intention towards e-health consultation using an extended UTAUT model","authors":"Ajitabh Dash, A. Sahoo","doi":"10.1108/jet-08-2021-0042","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/jet-08-2021-0042","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis research explores the factors that influence patients' willingness to seek digital health advice in developing countries like India by extending the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) with perceived risk (PR) and trust.Design/methodology/approachStructural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses proposed for this study. The primary data for this study were acquired from 578 respondents using a judgmental sampling procedure.FindingsResults of this investigation reflected a positive and significant connexion of the intention of a patient towards e-health consultation with effort expectancy (EE), performance expectancy (PE), trust and social influence (SI); conversely, factors like facilitating condition (FC) and PR are not significantly connected with the same.Originality/valueThe findings of this study will not only add to the existing literature on the behavioral intention (BI) by introducing new dimensions in the context of digital health consultation, but they will also aid service providers in developing strategies to encourage the use of e-health consultation services in emerging economies such as India.","PeriodicalId":42168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Enabling Technologies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41518231","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Not perfect but good enough: a primer for creating spherical video-based virtual reality for autistic users","authors":"N. Newbutt, Noah J. Glaser, Heath Palmer","doi":"10.1108/jet-01-2022-0008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/jet-01-2022-0008","url":null,"abstract":"PurposePrevious research provides promising insights to the role of spherical video-based virtual reality (SVVR) applied with and for autistic users. Work already conducted in this area suggests that SVVR delivered via a range of head-mounted displays (HMDs) are useable, acceptable, can enable skill acquisition, can be relevant for delivering training, can help to reduce discomfort and promote skills generalization. However, to date very little research articulates methods or approaches to the design and development of SVVR. Here, the authors share the experiences of working in this space and designing SVVR content with and for autistic groups.Design/methodology/approachThe authors draw upon two case studies/projects that were previous worked on with the intention to extrapolate key parts of the production process of SVVR development. The authors also outline key theoretical contexts as related to SVVR development in this field.FindingsThe goal of this primer on SVVR is to provide researchers and practitioners with an overview of using this technology. The authors provide a set of recommendations that should inform others in creating their own content and developing SVVR for/with/by autistic people.Originality/valueThis work combines and outlines theoretical, conceptual and practical considerations for practitioners and stakeholders seeking to build and deploy SVVR content; aspects not reported in previous research.","PeriodicalId":42168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Enabling Technologies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41726685","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Editing assistance tool validation for English language learners","authors":"Bronwyn Lamond, Todd Cunningham","doi":"10.1108/jet-04-2021-0020","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/jet-04-2021-0020","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeEditing assistance software programs are computer-based tools that check and make suggestions for the grammar, spelling and style of a piece of writing. These tools are becoming more popular as recommendations for students who struggle with written expression, such as English language learners (ELLs). The purpose of the present study is to compare the performance of four different programs with embedded editing assistance tools in their ability to identify errors in the writing of ELLs.Design/methodology/approachRepeated measures ANOVAs were conducted to determine whether there were differences in the number of errors (i.e. spelling, grammar, punctuation and errors that change the meaning of the text) identified by editing assistance programs (i.e. Grammarly, Ginger, Microsoft Word, Google Docs and human raters) for writing by ELLs.FindingsThe results of the present study indicate that the four programs did not differ in their identification of spelling errors. None of the editing assistance programs identified as many errors as the human raters; therefore, editing assistance cannot yet replace effective human editing for ELLs.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations with the present study include manual verification of errors flagged by editing programs, multiple raters, a small sample size and a young sample of students.Practical implicationsThe paper includes practical factors to consider when integrating editing assistance software into the classroom, including the development needs of students, the impact of students' first language and student training on the technology.Originality/valueThis paper provides school psychologists, teachers and other professionals working with students with specific, evidence-based recommendations for implementation of editing assistance AT.","PeriodicalId":42168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Enabling Technologies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49635469","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sarune Savickaite, K. McNaughton, E. Gaillard, Joseph Amaya, Neil McDonnell, Elliot Millington, D. Simmons
{"title":"Exploratory study on the use of HMD virtual reality to investigate individual differences in visual processing styles","authors":"Sarune Savickaite, K. McNaughton, E. Gaillard, Joseph Amaya, Neil McDonnell, Elliot Millington, D. Simmons","doi":"10.1108/jet-06-2021-0028","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/jet-06-2021-0028","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeGlobal and local processing is part of human perceptual organisation, where global processing helps extract the “gist” of the visual information and local processing helps perceive the details. Individual differences in these two types of visual processing have been found in autism and ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Virtual reality (VR) has become a more available method of research in the last few decades. No previous research has investigated perceptual differences using this technology.Design/methodology/approachThe objective of the research is to threefold: (1) identify if there is association between ADHD and autistic traits and the performance on the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure (ROCF) task, (2) investigate practical effects of using VR drawing tools for research on perceptual experiences and (3) explore any perceptual differences brought out by the three-dimensional nature of the VR. The standard ROCF test was used as a baseline task to investigate the practical utility of using VR as an experimental platform. A total of 94 participants were tested.FindingsAttention-to-detail, attention switching and imagination subscales of autism quotient (AQ) questionnaire were found to be predictors of organisational ROCF scores, whereas only the attention-to-detail subscale was predictive of perceptual ROCF scores.Originality/valueThe current study is an example of how classic psychological paradigms can be transferred into the virtual world. Further investigation of the distinct individual preferences in drawing tasks in VR could lead to a better understanding of individual differences in the processing of visuospatial information.","PeriodicalId":42168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Enabling Technologies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-02-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44813190","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}