Video Modeling for Gross and Fine Motor Tasks

The Journal of Special Education published research on the effectiveness of video modeling for fine and gross motor tasks.  The subjects consisted of 3 individuals with moderate intellectual disabilities and 3 individuals with autism. The results indicated the following:

• an increase in the number of fine and gross motor tasks correctly performed following the introduction of video modeling. 
• students across both groups performed more gross motor than fine motor tasks independently correct 
• students in the intellectual disabilities group performed more tasks independently correct than those in autism group. 

Do you ever use video modeling to teach motor skills? 

Reference: Linda C. Mechling and Catherine O. Swindle Fine and Gross Motor Task Performance When Using Computer-Based Video Models by Students With Autism and Moderate Intellectual Disability J Spec Educ November 2013 47: 135-147, first published on January 19, 2012 doi:10.1177/0022466911433859  

Video Modeling for Children with Autism

Some research has indicated that the use of video modeling can help children with autism achieve different skills. Shipley-Benamou et al (2002) used video modeling instruction to teach 5 daily living skills to three children with autism. The video modeling was effective in promoting skill acquisition for 3/3 children who participated. Additional research has been performed indicating that video modeling has been successful in teaching communication skills, academic skills, play skills and more. Most of the research had the children watch a video 1-3 times before attempting the task. Peer modeling, adult modeling and self modeling has been shown to be effective.

Here is an idea... check out some of these videos below or on You Tube for learning to write different letters from CallOTChrissy. You could use these for video modeling for children with autism. If you wanted to refine their skills further, video the child writing the letter. The child can then compare their actions to the model action video. Try editing the child's video to make it appear as if the student completed writing the letter effectively. Now you could also use the child as the video model. Have you ever used video modeling to teach skills during therapy sessions?





PS - CallOTChrissy also has this cute song and video for the correct pencil grasp adapted from Handwriting without Tears.




References:
Shipley-Benamou et al. (2002) Teaching Daily Living Skills to Children with Autism Through Instructional Video Modeling. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions July 2002 vol. 4 no. 3 166-177

Professional Development in Autism (PDA) Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Research Brief #2 Video Modeling. Retreived from the web on 6/14/2011 at http://www.idahocdhd.org/DNN/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=xoIPF7VgfEg%3D&tabid=279&mid=791