In the Field: The ABA Podcast
Welcome to In the Field- The ABA Podcast, hosted by Allyson Wharam. This podcast is a resource hub for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), business owners, training coordinators, individual supervisors, and graduate students accruing fieldwork in ABA.
Allyson, the creator of Sidekick, an innovative online curriculum and learning portal for behavior analysts, dives into the nuances of ABA with a focus on quality supervision, which she believes is the cornerstone of the field. Each episode offers information on topics relevant to ABA professionals, ranging from effective strategies for supervision, innovations in the field, to practical advice for improving service quality and outcomes for clients.
In the Field- The ABA Podcast is not just a show; it's a community for those who are passionate about enhancing their knowledge, skills, and practices in ABA. The podcast features interviews with experts, discussions on emerging trends, and shares actionable tips to help listeners invest in their professional growth and the advancement of the field.
Whether you are driving to an in-home session, taking a break in your busy day, or seeking inspiration and guidance, this podcast is your companion in fostering excellence in ABA. Join us as we explore, learn, and grow together in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.
For more resources and information, visit our website at www.sidekicklearning.net.
In the Field: The ABA Podcast
Revolutionizing DTT with Technology with Patrick Faga of FirstWork
In this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, I chat with Patrick Faga, behavior scientist and co-founder of FirstWork, about how technology is transforming discrete trial training (DTT) and behavior analysis. Patrick shares how his experiences as a behavior technician inspired the creation of FirstWork, a direct lesson delivery platform designed to simplify DTT while maintaining its core flexibility and personalization.
Key Topics:
- What is FirstWork? Patrick explains how FirstWork streamlines DTT by digitizing lesson delivery, eliminating the need for physical flashcards, and integrating reinforcement systems within a tablet-based platform.
- Balancing Tech and Human Connection: Patrick discusses how technology like FirstWork enhances the teacher or technician’s ability to connect with learners by removing time-consuming manual tasks.
- Affordances and Constraints of Technology: Learn about the unique advantages FirstWork offers, such as real-time feedback and customizable programs, as well as thoughtful consideration of its limitations and learner fit.
- Improving DTT Outcomes: How FirstWork leverages concept formation, critical and variable features, and automated data collection to promote generalization and support goal achievement.
- Impact on Teams and Organizations: Patrick dives into how FirstWork benefits ABA teams by saving time, reducing costs, and improving the consistency of lesson delivery, making it a game-changer for both practitioners and learners.
Key Takeaways:
- Technology doesn’t replace teachers or technicians—it enhances their ability to focus on the learner by automating repetitive tasks.
- DTT, often misunderstood as overly rigid, becomes more dynamic and engaging when integrated with tools like FirstWork.
- FirstWork’s customizable features ensure lessons are tailored to each learner, while the platform's reinforcement system motivates participation and strengthens autonomy.
Keywords: Discrete Trial Training, ABA, Behavior Analysis, Technology in ABA, DTT Platforms, Reinforcement Systems, Behavior Technician Tools, Concept Formation, Generalization, Patrick Faga, FirstWork
Connect with Patrick and FirstWork:
- Website: FirstWork
- Email: info@firstworkapp.com
- FirstWork LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/firstworkapp/
- Patrick Faga LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickfaga
- Instagram: @firstworkapp
Subscribe to the Podcast: Don’t miss more inspiring conversations about innovation in ABA. Subscribe to In the Field: The ABA Podcast for insights, tools, and strategies to elevate your practice. Visit Sidekick Learning for more resources on fieldwork supervision and professional development.
Disclaimer:
BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®.
All information and products are for educational purposes only.