The Effect of Computer-Based Cognitive Rehabilitation on Visual Spatial Working Memory in Dyscalculia Elementary Pupils
摘要
Computer-based cognitive rehabilitation is an innovative design to improve cognitive functions, particularly visual-spatial working memory, in children with mathematical learning disorders. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the Captain Log cognitive rehabilitation software on the visual-spatial working memory of children with mathematical learning disorders. The present study design was a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test, post-test, and control group. The research sample consisted of 30 s-grade elementary school pupils who were diagnosed with dyscalculia learning disorders according to the criteria of the Centers for Learning Disorders. They were selected conveniently and randomly assigned to two groups (experimental and control). First, both groups were assessed through the Children’s Working Memory Test Set, and the experimental group performed computer exercises for 10 sessions (two 45-min sessions per week), while the control group did not receive any training. Both groups were assessed by post-test, and the findings were analyzed by analysis of covariance. The results showed that after adjusting for pre-test scores, there was a significant difference between the scores of visual-spatial working memories (P < 0.05, F = 540.785) of the experimental group and the control group. This means that cognitive rehabilitation using the Captain Log software was effective in improving the pupils’ visual-spatial working memory. By addressing the specific cognitive deficits associated with learning disabilities, these interventions can improve overall academic performance and enhance pupils’ capabilities in applying mathematical concepts in real-life situations.