Embodied Learning Enhanced with Technology in Special Education: A Systematic Literature Review

With the rapid development of technology, the potential of Embodied Cognition (EC) in educational environments is increasingly being explored. Various studies have been conducted based on Embodied Learning (EL) for individuals with special needs. In this study, a systematic review was made of the use of technology enhanced EL applications for individuals with special needs between 2013 and 2023. As a result of the systematic review, it was seen that there has been an increase in study in recent years. Studies have mostly been conducted at primary school and university levels and with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Achievement and standardized tests, observations, scales, video recordings, interviews, and system logs have generally been used as data collection tools. The focus has been on the cognitive, motor and social-emotional development of individuals with special needs that can be achieved through EL applications. Kinect technology was the most widely used. However, there was also a trend towards studies that take into account the potential of camera systems and image processing technologies to process complex motion data in a wider area. The studies examined were rich in terms of evaluation methods. There are also studies emphasizing the importance of automatic evaluation systems.