Investigating the Link Between Dyslexia and Dyscalculia: Teaching, Learning, and ICT Integration.

Background: Dyslexia and dyscalculia are prevalent learning disabilities that impair mathematics performance. Comorbidity compounds cognitive and affective challenges, yet few studies compare how complementary ICT tools support distinct learner profiles. Objectives: To examine pre–post changes follo...

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Publicado en:Journal of Computer Assisted Learning Vol. 42; no. 3; pp. 1 - 15
Autor principal: Polydoros, Georgios
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Wiley-Blackwell Jun2026
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: Jun2026
      vid: 42
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      pub: Wiley-Blackwell
      place: Malden, Massachusetts
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        10.1002/jcal.70233
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        atl: Investigating the Link Between Dyslexia and Dyscalculia: Teaching, Learning, and ICT Integration.
      aug:
        au: Polydoros, Georgios
        affil: Department of Mathematics & Applied Mathematics, University of Crete, Crete, Greece
      sug:
        subj:
          Dyslexia Rehabilitation
          Dyscalculia Rehabilitation
          Learning Disorders Rehabilitation
          Mathematics Education
          Computer-Assisted Instruction
          Academic Performance
          Teaching Methods
          Educational Technology Utilization
          Academic Achievement
          Human
          Greece
          Male
          Female
          Child
          Empirical Research
          Qualitative Studies
          Pretest-Posttest Design
          Purposive Sample
          Mainstreaming (Education)
          Students with Disabilities
          Learning Methods
          Educational Measurement
          Problem Solving
          Education, Special
          Descriptive Statistics
          Data Analysis Software
          Conceptual Framework
          Sensitivity and Specificity
          School Health Services
          Factor Analysis
          Analysis of Variance
          Post Hoc Analysis
          Paired T-Tests
          Confidence Intervals
          Executive Function
          Student Performance Appraisal
          Curriculum
          Models, Educational
          Feedback
          Comorbidity
          Child: 6-12 years
          Male
          Female
      ab: Background: Dyslexia and dyscalculia are prevalent learning disabilities that impair mathematics performance. Comorbidity compounds cognitive and affective challenges, yet few studies compare how complementary ICT tools support distinct learner profiles. Objectives: To examine pre–post changes following the integration of DragonBox (game‐based, conceptual) and Khan Academy (adaptive, scaffolded practice) in problem‐solving, numerical operations, and conceptual understanding among students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and comorbidity, and to test whether post‐intervention performance patterns differ for the comorbidity group. Methods: Single‐group pre–post quantitative design in Grade 5 (N = 80; Dyslexia n = 44; Dyscalculia n = 12; Comorbidity n = 24). A 12‐item math test (three domains) with parallel forms was administered pre/post. Reliability: α = 0.85/0.82/0.87; EFA: 3‐factor solution (68% variance). Analyses used Shapiro–Wilk, Levene, Welch's ANOVA with Games–Howell post hoc, and paired t‐tests with effect sizes and 95% CIs (α = 0.05). Intervention: 8 weeks, two 30‐min sessions/week integrating DragonBox and Khan Academy. Results: All groups improved significantly (paired t; Cohen's d: Dyslexia = 0.92; Dyscalculia = 0.90; Comorbidity = 0.85). Statistically significant improvements were observed over time across all groups. Post‐intervention comparisons showed lower means for the comorbidity group (Welch's ANOVA; Games–Howell significant vs. both single‐diagnosis groups). Numerical operations gains exceeded conceptual understanding. Conclusions: Findings indicate statistically significant improvements over time during the ICT‐supported intervention period. In the absence of a comparison condition, results should be interpreted as temporal change rather than definitive causal efficacy of the tools. The comorbidity group showed lower post‐intervention mean performance alongside meaningful within‐group gains, underscoring the need for multidimensional supports. Implications for Practice: The results suggest that DragonBox may support conceptual introduction and may help reduce mathematics‐related anxiety, while Khan Academy may support consolidation of arithmetic skills through scaffolded practice. For comorbidity, additional instructional supports may be beneficial, including explicit strategy instruction, extended practice time, and individualised feedback, within a blended model that complements rather than replaces traditional teaching. Practitioner Points: What is already known about this topic ○Dyslexia and dyscalculia impair mathematics performance via phonological, working‐memory, and numerical‐processing deficits; comorbidity magnifies difficulties.○ICT and assistive technologies can improve engagement and skills, but many studies examine single disabilities or a single platform.What this paper adds ○A head‐to‐head evaluation of two complementary ICT tools mapped to theory: DragonBox (constructivist/multimodal) and Khan Academy (sociocultural/ZPD).○Evidence of pre–post improvement over time across all groups, with lower post‐intervention mean performance for comorbidity; numerical operations improve more than conceptual understanding.○A practical, weekly blended integration model (concept introduction with DragonBox; consolidation with Khan Academy).Implications for practice and/or policy ○Pair conceptual, game‐based ICT with scaffolded practice, embedded in teacher‐led routines○Provide targeted scaffolds (explicit strategies, feedback, extra time) for comorbidity.○Invest in teacher professional development and infrastructure to ensure accessibility and sustained use.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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