The Implementation of Podcasts for Preservice Training in Special Education

• In Event: Technology as a Course Innovation: Insights From Diverse, Urban Preservice Teacher Education Programs

Abstract

Objective
The Department of Education in New York City has mandated that students with severe/multiple disabilities be included in general education K-12 classes throughout the city. There is a national trend for inclusion of all students with disabilities in general education classes is prevalent throughout the country (Orelove, F.P., Sobsey, D., & Silberman, R.K., 2004). Teacher preparation programs need to provide teacher candidates with appropriate knowledge and skills to work with an increasingly diverse student population including students with severe/multiple disabilities. In an effort to provide these skills and knowledge of working with students with severe/multiple disabilities, a grant was obtained to develop Podcasts which address the following areas:
1. Service delivery models for students with severe/ multiple disabilities (three, 4- 10 minute Podcasts)
2. Cerebral Palsy and seizure disorders (eleven, 4-10 minute Podcasts)
3. Visual Impairment and Blindness (eight, 4-10 minute Podcasts
4. Curriculum Adaptations (five, 4-10 minute Podcasts)
5. Individual Education Plan and Alternative Augmentative Communication (five, 4-10 minute Podcasts)
These Podcasts are available through a course Blackboard site and are currently being monitored by the creator of the Podcasts.
Methods and Data Sources
For three summer semesters both Teaching Fellows and Urban Teaching Residents participated in an online course to access the skills and knowledge about working with students with severe and multiple disabilities in the general education classroom. These teacher candidates are studying primarily pedagogy and practice in working with students with learning disabilities. Most of the coursework they receive during their preparation is geared toward working with students with learning disabilities. All participants are required to view all 32 Podcast in addition to an introductory DVD entitled Including Samuel. This DVD shows a successful example of a child who has severe motoric and language deficits integrated into a general education classroom. In addition, each teacher candidate participates in discussion board threads regarding the topics presented in the Podcasts. An example of a discussion board thread is: describe the pros and cons of including a student with a severe disability in the general education classroom and discuss the teacher candidate’s own experience in working with such a student. A final multiple choice exam is posted at the end of the sessions which evaluates the knowledge attained by watching the Podcasts and the DVD. A score of 80% or better is required for a passing grade. In addition, each teacher candidate is required to provide feedback about the Podcasts. The purpose of the feedback is to tweak and change the Podcasts to best meet the needs of the teacher candidates for their classroom situations.
Results and Significance
Providing teacher candidates with the knowledge, skills and disposition to work effectively with students with severe/multiple disabilities is critical to successful inclusion for these students. The use of Podcasts to provide knowledge and skills regarding including students with severe/multiple disabilities contributes to pre service training for candidates preparing to be special educators.

Author

• Ellen Trief, Hunter College School of Education