The main objective of this project is to develop a comprehensive educational kit enhanced by an innovative VR tool.
Through this kit we aim to spread accurate knowledge about how to use ABA-based strategies among HED and professionals working in the field of autism (e.g.,psychologists, special educators, speech language professionals, occupational therapists, support workers)-thereafter referred to as ASD HED graduates, and train a pool of those students in each partner country on practical ABA-based strategies which will enhance their employability.
Work Package 1
The project will use two main tools for monitoring progress, quality, and outcomes:
1. Management Handbook: This document will contain guidelines for overall project management, including administrative, technical, and financial aspects. It serves as the primary source for monitoring the project’s progress and achievements.
2. Quality Assurance & Evaluation (QAE) Plan: This plan outlines rules and procedures for ensuring project quality. It includes key initiatives, resources, and methods to produce high-quality outputs. The plan also provides templates for evaluating both overarching and specific project activities.
Work Package 2
The main goals are to assess the quality of existing ABA trainings, identify shortcomings, and gather feedback from both participants and non-participants.
The survey will focus on aspects such as engagement, effectiveness, practical implementation, and accessibility.
The findings will be used to make recommendations for future ABA trainings, aiming to improve their quality and accessibility. Additionally, the text mentions the development of an ABA-VR training model based on survey results and the pilot-testing of this model with a small group of participants before implementing local trainings with higher education students. These specific objectives contribute to the overall project goals (O1 and O2).
Work Package 3
The main goals of the work package related to the ABA-VR project are:
1. Develop an elearning platform in SPOOC format for professionals working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
2. Create 20 video tutorials on using Behavioral Skills Training (BST), Virtual Reality (VR), and adapting instruction based on needs.
3. Establish a Personal Learning Environment (PLE) for higher education students, connected with at least 25 relevant digital tools.
4. Generate Learning Paths tailored to each learner’s needs, combining static materials (SPOOC) with personalized elements from the PLE.
5. Conduct pilot programs with teachers/trainers to assess the effectiveness of the proposed training.
These objectives aim to contribute to the broader goals of the ABA-VR project by incorporating effective methodologies for working with ASD individuals. The project involves creating a stable knowledge base through an open elearning platform in SPOOC format, maintained for at least five years. Additionally, a PLE using free software like Symbaloo will be implemented to customize learning paths, enhance dynamic learning, and connect users through forums, blogs, and related organizations post-SPOOC training.
Work Package 4
The specific objectives of this work package are:
Develop a VR app that allows trainees to interact with realistic simulations of challenging behaviors.
Create four scenarios that highlight the four functions of behavior (attention, escape, access to tangible, and automatic reinforcement).
Enable trainees to identify the functions of behavior and apply appropriate ABA strategies to manage the challenging behavior.
Ensure the VR app is user-friendly, interactive, and accessible to trainees from different partner countries.
These objectives contribute to the general objectives of the ABA-VR project by providing a unique and innovative training approach to teach ASD professionals about ABA principles and strategies for managing challenging behaviors.
The VR app will allow trainees to gain hands-on experience in identifying the functions of behavior and implementing ABA strategies in a safe, controlled, and immersive virtual environment.
This approach will help to bridge the gap between theory and practice, providing trainees with practical skills and knowledge that they can apply in real-life situations. By achieving the objectives of Work package 4, the project will enhance the quality of ABA training and increase the effectiveness of professionals working with individuals with autism and other special education needs. Additionally, the VR app will contribute to the sustainability of the project by providing a tool that can be used by ASD professionals even after the project’s completion.
Work Package 5
Communication and Dissemination of the project and its results to interested individuals, organisations and
stakeholders Specific objectives are the following:
– to create international network of organisations, educational centres and professional who use the principles of ABA in their practices.
– to set up the strategy of external communication of partnership at local, regional and international levels
to reach direct and indirect target groups and beneficiaries of the project
– to contribute to the sustainability and short-term and long-term impact of the project
– to promote the benefits of ABA to influence autism policies by countering ‘fake news’ about the scientific discipline of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).
– to raise public awareness about autism.
Without doubt current WP is directly linked to O4: Promote and disseminate the benefits of the scientific discipline of Applied Behaviour Analysis.
WP5 will also greatly contribute to the other three objectives of the project because the target of communication and dissemination strategy will be carefully chosen and strictly linked to project idea and needs. First of all, through our communication and dissemination actions we will identify the target groups to participate in the focus groups and the survey (O1). Their input will be taken into consideration for the development of the educational material.
Next, through the dissemination and communication channels of the project, we will recruit the participants to pilot-test the developed material (O2). Similarly, we will employ the dissemination strategy to spread the information about our project and invite as many interested people as possible to the local pilot-testing (O3). Besides this WP will showcase and reflect project impact and quality of results.
Activities in this WP will start on the first day of the project and will last until the end.
