Technology Training for Special Education Teachers: Exploring Effectiveness of Short Online Training Programs

• In Event: Special Education Teachers and Service Delivery Models

Abstract

Professional development in technology for special education teachers is unique in that it has to prepare them not only to integrate technology, but also to use assistive technology. Previous studies have pointed out lack of time and training as main barriers for teachers to integrate technology in their classrooms. The current study evaluated the effectiveness of a short online intervention in addressing these barriers and in improving the technology competency and confidence of special education teachers. The participants for this study were 120 special education pre-service and in-service teachers from a large South-Western university. The findings of this study indicated that short interventions like the one in the current study are effective for technology training of special education teachers.

Authors

• Sita Periathiruvadi, University of North Texas

• Tandra Lea Tyler-Wood, University of North Texas

• Mary Bailey Estes, University of North Texas

• LeighAnn Stephens, University of North Texas