Research Project Instructions
Literature Review on Assistive Technology
(200 Points)
Instructions
1. In week 4, you will select an assistive technology and begin finding some
information on the technology of your choice.
2. Professor will approve your technology after week 4. Once your selection is
approved, you can begin to work on the project.
3. Log onto the FNU library and find research on your assistive technology.
Take notes based on what you find. Make sure to keep track of every
source that you use. Think about the following: who is the technology for?
How is the technology used? How accessible is the technology? Has the
technology been tested? Is there effectiveness or efficacy of the
technology? What are some pros and cons of this technology?
4. In weeks 5 & 6 you will compile your information into a 5-7 page
informational research paper on your technology using APA format. The
next page will provide the structure of the paper.
5. Utilize all of your resources, tutoring services, Grammarly, Spellcheck, APA
Handbook, etc. You will want to make sure you proofread your paper
several times before turning it in.
6. Your paper will be due at the end of Week 6.
Research Project Structure
1. Introduction
a. 1-2 paragraphs describing the background to your assistive
technology. How long has it been around? When was it created? Who
created it? Why was it created? Why is it important?
b. Thesis statement: Your introduction should end with your thesis
statement that gives direction of the paper. For example, This paper
will study the use and efficacy of SMART Boards for students with
visual impairments.
2. History of the Assistive Technology
a. 1-3 paragraphs discussing how this technology came about. If there
are early iterations of the technology, start there. For example, before
Spotify and Pandora there were iPods and mp3 players.
b. Think about how the technology in the world at the time may have
influenced this technology to come about.
c. What were people using before this technology came around?
3. Target Population
a. 1-2 paragraphs describing the population this device is intended for.
b. Does this population have physical or mental limitations or both?
c. Is there a specific classification it is intended for? For example,
students with Intellectual Disabilities can be classified into mild,
severe, etc.
d. Is there a suggested age range that is appropriate for using this
device?
4. Description of How [Your Device] Works
a. 2-4 paragraphs about how the device works
b. Does it need to be powered on?
c. Does it attach to furniture or to a wheelchair?
d. Does the user need assistance with using it?
e. Is it an interactive device or would a user only use it on their own?
5. Research that Examined Usage of [Your Device]
a. 2-5 paragraphs discussing research on the device you selected
b. Was the research performed on the target population?
c. Was the technology effective?
d. Did they discuss the ease of use?
e. What were the suggestions that the researchers stated in their work?
How did they suggest people use this technology?
f. Were there pros or cons found about your device?
g. Was there future research needed on the device?
6. Conclusion
a. 1-2 paragraphs summarizing the information from your paper
b. Discuss the major takeaways about this device
7. References
a. A full APA Reference list of every source that you cited in your paper
Research Project Grading
You will be graded on 5 main criteria:
40% Introduction & History
40% Intended Population, Description & Research on Device
10% Conclusion
10% APA Format
10% Grammar/Sentence Structure
