Bouck, E. C., Doughty, T. T., Flanagan, S. M., Szwed, K., & Bassette, L. (2010). Is the pen mightier? Using pentop computers to improve secondary students’ writing . Journal of Special Education Technology , 25 (4), 33–47. https://www.isetcec.org/journal-of-special-education-technology-jset/

Pentop computers (specifically FLYPen software) and their impact on written expression of students with disabilities were examined.

Three high school students in a Midwestern state (U.S.) participated in this study. Students were between the ages of 15 and 18 and received special education services at their school. The students identified as having a mild intellectual disability or learning disability, and one of their teachers had acknowledged a difficulty in written expression.

The quality of essays written using two different methods was measured. Students were taught how to use the pentop computer technology (FLYPen). They first wrote essays without this technology to serve as a baseline measure. They then wrote essays using the FLYPen.

Essay quality improved when using the pentop computer technology to write. When use of the technology stopped, quality decreased.