Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine current attitudes and knowledge of preservice teachers towards assistive technology and to develop, implement, and evaluate a mini-workshop on assistive technology to better prepare regular classroom teachers for the inclusive classroom. A pre-postsurvey design was used. Data from the presurvey provided demographic information as well as documenting current attitudes and knowledge. Participants were 168 students enrolled in a computer applications course for elementary teachers. Experts in the field presented a mini-workshop on assistive technology. Data was analyzed to determine impact of the mini-workshop on attitude and knowledge and to detect differences based on completion of a diversity course, having a disabled family member and having a disabled friend. Results indicated a continued need to include assistive technology under the broader umbrella of technology in teacher preparation programs.

Citation

Maushak, N.J., Kelley, P. & Blodgett, T. (2001). Preparing Teachers for the Inclusive Classroom: A Preliminary Study of Attitudes and Knowledge of Assistive Technology. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 9(3), 419-431. Norfolk, VA: Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education. Retrieved February 27, 2021 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/8376/.

© 2001 Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education

Keywords

• assistive technology
• Attitudes
• classroom
• Classrooms
• teacher preparation
• Teachers