Utility of an electronic data collection modality for supporting school professionals in the implementation of behavioral treatments

Using Data Collection Applications in Early Childhood Settings to Support Behavior Change

“…It will also allow for services to be planned and delivered based on data collected in the field. Andersen (2017) found that there was minimal difference between latencies in graphing data session by session with a data collection app and paper/pencil; however, school professionals exhibited a preference for the iPad app modality (Andersen, 2017). Teaching EC practitioners strategies to use apps that are effective for children in a K-12 setting will help implement early intervention services.…”

“…With the use of data, early intervention services can begin more rapidly and allows services to be planned and delivered efficiently. Evidence suggests there is no difference between accuracy of data when using an electronic method versus paper and pencil (Andersen, 2017;Khan et al, 2019;Tarbox et al, 2010); however, it may require more time to collect data, which may be decreased with ease of app and continued use. It cannot be understated that teachers and other service providers might have to be taught and trained not only the technology with which to collect the data but also the act of data collection in general (Van Acker et al, 2005).…”

“…Important features that support data collection may include ability to enter one or multiple ratings in a day; provide different scales or ratings suited to the skill or behavior being assessed; allow anecdotal note taking; easy entry of data; ability to gather and enter data over different time periods; and allow the ability to transfer the data to other sources for sharing, compiling, or archiving. One reason teachers may not prefer using a data collection app could be due to the lack of flexibility within the app, preference to paper-and-pencil data collection, or that the app had too many screens to flip through and was not user-friendly (Andersen, 2017). Before deciding on an app to use, teachers and other service providers should research that app before purchasing (or if it is free, download and explore the app before using it for official data collection).…”