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Exploring the use of the ICT in supporting dyslexic students’ preferred learning styles : A preliminary evaluation

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Abstract

Dyslexia is one of the most common learning disabilities. It is described as a disorder manifested by difficulty in learning to read despite conventional instruction, adequate intelligence, and sociocultural opportunity. It affects relatively about 7–10 % of the population across most languages and cultures. In this study, we explore the potential benefits offered by the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to support dyslexic students by considering their preferred learning styles. In the current paper we administered the VAK and Honey & Mumford questionnaires to 28 Arabic students with ages between 8 and 10 years old. 8 students from dyslexic group and 20 students from control group were selected to assess and compare their preferred learning style. The implemented system focuses on dyslexia in Arabic language, especially in Arabic countries such as Morocco. Based on the results of the analysis of learning styles differences, we introduced an adaptive mobile learning to support and promote learning for dyslexic students. The aim of the study is to consider the relationship between dyslexia and learning style and to suggest a different learning way. Preliminary results show that the ICT has a valuable role in providing opportunities for learners with dyslexia to participate more fully in education.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the Speech-Language Pathology service-Health center, El Jadida and Speech Therapy center Verdun, Casablanca, Morocco.

We would like to thank the manager of speech and language sector Sara Haie (Faculty of Health Science International University of Casablanca, Morocco) for her valuable suggestions and recommendations. The authors would also like to acknowledge the president and staff at Speech Therapy center Verdun, Casablanca and the Speech-Language Pathology service-Health center, El Jadida Morocco and also the teachers, the students, and their parents who have participated in this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of computer science, Chouaib Doukkali University, Faculty of Science, El Jadida, Morocco

    FatimaEzzahra Benmarrakchi, Jamal El Kafi & Ali Elhore

  2. Department of speech language pathology, International University of Casablanca, Faculty of Health Science, Casablanca, Morocco

    Sara Haie

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  1. FatimaEzzahra Benmarrakchi
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  2. Jamal El Kafi
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Correspondence to FatimaEzzahra Benmarrakchi.

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Benmarrakchi, F., El Kafi, J., Elhore, A. et al. Exploring the use of the ICT in supporting dyslexic students’ preferred learning styles : A preliminary evaluation. Educ Inf Technol 22, 2939–2957 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-016-9551-4

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