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Module 3 Journal Entry

·        How did you select your research topic? What resources did you use, which selection criteria did you follow?

At the beginning of my research journey, I had chosen the general subject of Adaptive Technology.  The area of Adaptive Technology is broad already and the type and use of this kind of technology is specific to an individual’s need and disability.  My reason for this area was influenced by a real-world example of my 70-year-old father’s experience with accepting and learning to use his many adaptive devices after he suffered a stroke last year. 

My subject area was further narrowed to the area of Adaptive Speech Technology which is often referred to as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices.  Again, I am using real-world and personal experiences with two of my family members that steered me into the area of AAC.  When my daughter was a toddler, we had her in speech therapy to help her with her speech delay to develop better language and fluency. With my father’s stroke, his left side is mostly paralyzed, including his face, which affects his ability to speak effectively.

His current situation is what is motivating me to research more about AAC devices and how to help him overcome his challenges. For selfish reasons, I am trying to learn as much as I can about AAC devices. I'm viewing it as a win-win opportunity to expand my knowledge and satisfy an assignment requirement at the same time.

As far as research resources, so far, I have come across scholarly journals and editorials about AACs that I have found through the OC library’s OneSearch. Next week my plan is to look through Apple’s App library to see what AAC applications are available for iPad users.  The selection criteria so far is simply choosing whether it is related to AAC devices, since anything else would be irrelevant.

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