Earticle

The purpose of this study is to compare and analyze the aspects of task-based activities in high school English textbooks for first year students in Korea. Based on the task evaluation criteria presented by Nunan(1989) and basic contents of the 7th English educational curriculum, six different qualitative categories of task-based activities were evaluated quantitatively. The results of the analysis show that the regulations of the 7th national English curriculum aimed at improving the students' communicative abilities were properly reflected in the materials of task-based activities of all textbooks. On the other hand, a few problems were found in some textbooks: a) too many individual tasks; b) out of proportion in presenting task types and themes; c) non-systematic introduction of language skills, etc. Based on these results some suggestions were made for developing future textbooks. However, since this study was carried out by only one observer, a more objective evaluation should be made by the teachers or students who have been using the textbooks through the use of detailed questionnaires.

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of virtual reality-based task training (VRBTT) using a smart glove on upper extremity function and activity of daily living in stroke patients. Methods: Twenty-nine patients with chronic stroke disease were randomly allocated to two groups: the VRBTT group (n=14) and the control group (n=15). All patients received 30 minutes of standard occupational therapy, 5 times a week, for 8 weeks. The VRBTT group performed an additional 30 minutes of virtual reality-based rehabilitation training, 5 times a week, for 8 weeks. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in upper extremity function, yielding an increase in FMA and K-WMFT (p<0.05). There was a more significant increase in the VRBTT group before and after interventions (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in MAS for the control group (p>0.05); however, there was a significant increase for the VRBTT group (p<0.05). In the activities of daily living, there was a significant difference in the values for K-MBI (p<0.05). In addition, both groups showed a significant increase for K-MBI and K-RNLI (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that VRBTT using smart gloves can have a more positive effect on upper extremity function and activities of daily living in stroke patients than conventional intervention methods. A variety of virtual reality-based contents and glove-shaped wearable devices will help stroke patients in rehabilitation clinics recover and return to society.