The effectiveness of Sand Smart software on executive functions (focused attention, the ability to organize and plan, and auditory and visual work memory) in students with dyslexia

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Sand Smart software on executive functions of students with dyslexia. The research method was experimental with pretest-posttest design and a control group. The statistical population of this study included all students with dyslexia referred to the center of learning disorder. Of these, a sample of 30 were selected by available sampling method and randomly divided into two groups (15 subjects in each). Both groups sat for a pre-test and the experimental group received syllabus training for 20 sessions with Sand Smart Training software, while the control group did not receive this training. At the end of the course, both groups sat for the post-test. The instruments used in this study were the Continuous Performance Test, London Tower Test and Wechsler Working Memory Test. Data were analyzed using multivariate covariance analysis using SPSS version 24 software. The results of multivariate analysis of covariance showed that software training had a positive and significant effect on the executive functions of focused attention and the ability to organize and plan (p <0.01), but its effectiveness on auditory and visual working memory was not significant. Regarding the findings of this research, it can be concluded that planning for using educational software to improve the performance of students with dyslexia is very important.