Assistive Technology User Group Perspectives of Early Childhood Professionals
By Parette, Howard P.; Stoner, Julia B.; Watts, Emily H.; Education and Training in Developmental Disabilities, Vol. 44, No. 2, pp. 257-270Publication Date: June 2009
Study examined the perceptions of teachers of children with developmental disabilities who had participated in assistive technology (AT) user groups. For the study, 10 teachers who had participated in a series of user groups that provided AT toolkits and used AT toolkits in the classroom were interviewed. The toolkits contained a personal computer system with software including Intellitools, Boardmaker with Speaking Dynamically Pro, Writing with Symbols 2000, and Clicker 5. The teachers interviewed provided responses regarding (a) perspectives of user groups, (b) use of the toolkit, (c) benefits of user groups, (d) concerns regarding user groups, (e) perceived effects of AT on teaching and decision-making, and (f) perceived effects of AT on the classroom. Overall, the teachers perceived user groups positively, stressing the value of time to develop classroom products, and the benefits of hands-on training, learning from others, and sharing products. Concerns regarding user groups centered on the lack of time to learn a specific AT device, feelings of frustration based on varying technical abilities, and logistical concerns about availability of materials needed to create a product. Perceived effects on AT on teaching included curriculum enhancement and an increased ability to respond to student needs. Teachers also reported increased attention during class group activities with the use of AT. Study limitations and implications for future research are discussed.
Assistive Products Discussed: CLICKER 6
INTELLITOOLS WINDOWS ACCESS PACK I AND II
SPEAKING DYNAMICALLY & SPEAKING DYNAMICALLY PRO
INTELLITOOLS MAC ACCESS PACK I AND II
BOARDMAKER (INTERNATIONAL)
WRITING WITH SYMBOLS 2000
Published by: Council for Exceptional Children (Website:http://www.cec.sped.org)
Division on Developmental Disabilities (DDD) of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) (Web Site: http://www.dddcec.org )
