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Connecting medically challenged children to their peers through video-tele-conferencing: A feasibility study
DISSERTATION

, Pepperdine University, United States

Pepperdine University . Awarded

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of including video-tele-conferencing in the home of the medically challenged child, as an addition to currently available home instruction provided by the home-school instructor, as per New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14-4.8. The study was guided by 4 research questions designed to assess the feasibility of using video-tele-conferencing, based on the dimensions of cost, ease of use, and scheduling.

The primary instrument for capturing the data to address the research questions was an open-ended interview. The researcher conducted scheduled interview sessions with each of the participants in the 4 groups, consisting of 2 administrators, 2 classroom instructors, 2 home/school instructors, and 2 hospital/school instructors. The data were analyzed for themes.

The results indicated that all participants felt strongly about incorporating video-tele-conferencing into their educational setting to benefit the medically challenged child. The educators were concerned, however, about the cost of video-tele-conferencing, but the administrators felt that this was an important enough piece of equipment to find a way to raise the funds needed. The present New Jersey Administrative Code need to be modified to include video-tele-conferencing as a tool for these youngsters. Ease of use was a secondary concern of the educators, but they were willing to be trained to use the equipment.

Participants also indicated the need for a support system, such as a technology specialist in the school district who would help in the set-up and ensure that the equipment was in good working order at the time of use. Both administrators and educators need to take courses and go to workshops to design and redesign courses for the video-tele-training format to build a successful interaction classroom.

The educators were not concerned about scheduling, but were concerned that the equipment be in working order. Finally, all the educators felt they would be able to work into their schedule the time to use the equipment with the medically challenged child and his or her peers in school. With an ongoing dialogue between the child-life personnel at children's hospitals, educators, administrators, and parents, the child will benefit from this valuable tool.

Citation

Yaffe, E.T. Connecting medically challenged children to their peers through video-tele-conferencing: A feasibility study. Ph.D. thesis, Pepperdine University. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from .

This record was imported from ProQuest on October 23, 2013. [Original Record]

Citation reproduced with permission of ProQuest LLC.

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