Simulating Students With Hearing Differences in Virtual Classrooms: The Use of Simulations for Training Teachers to Work With Students With Special Needs

• In Event: Alternative Technology Interfaces to Support Teaching and Learning

Abstract

Educational games and simulations are becoming more and more available as learning tools for future educators. This study seeked to determine if a simulation can accurately depict a classroom experience that a future teacher might encounter in today’s inclusion classroom. Specifically, the purpose was to validate the use of simSchool, a web-based classroom simulation program for training teachers to teach students with special needs. Using a case study of a student with hearing difference, observations were made. Using those observations, a sim-version of the student was built into the simulation software. Comparison of various attributes including academic, behavior and personality attributes revealed important findings concerning the validation of a simulation for as an effective tool for training teachers. 

Authors

• Tandra Lea Tyler-Wood, University of North Texas

• Sita Periathiruvadi, University of North Texas

• Leila Mills, University of North Texas

• Gerald A. Knezek, University of North Texas