Playing Gaze-Driven Attention Training Games Improves Alerting Efficiency in Children With Reading Difficulties

• In Event: Learning With Technology

Abstract

Reading difficulty is a complex developmental problem intertwining with many other developmental issues such as attention, memory, and motivation. Attention training games in this current study integrate exogenous cues into goal-directed games, training the regulation of covert attention by triggering saccadic eye movements. This study used a quasi-experimental design to compare attention efficiency and reading performance within and between the training group and comparison group in an elementary school for students with reading difficulties. The significant interaction effect of training by time on the alerting network supports our hypothesis that gaze-contingent attention training improves alerting efficiency. Despite its exploratory nature, this study offers insight into the role of gaze-contingent attention games in supporting children with reading difficulties.

Authors

• Xing Huang, University of Florida

• Zhen Xu, University of Florida

• Pasha Antonenko, University of Florida

• Joe Snider, BrainLeap Technologies

• Jeff Coleman, BrainLeap Technologies

• Leanne Chukoskie, University of California - San Diego