Preparing Special Educators with Technology Competencies
By Appert, Christine L.; RESNA 2001: Annual Conference Proceedings, Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 187-189Publication Date: June 2001
Paper describes an introductory course in special education technology for pre-service teacher education students. The primary purpose for this initiative was to enhance an existing class in special education technology. Other objectives included: ensuring that course content would give students an understanding of universal design principles; the ways that Assistive Technology (AT) in special education interfaces with educational technology; and how AT is used for general instructional purposes. The course content includes use of productivity tools (paint/draw programs, spreadsheet, database, and slide show), software evaluation, the Internet (search strategies, integrated lesson planning, web page design, multimedia, and adapted computer devices), AT evaluation, consideration in the Individualized Education Plan, and the presentations offered by guest speakers. Graded assignments involved competency-based tasks that demonstrated the acquisition and application of specific skills, including online search strategies, web page evaluation, and database development. Every student who enrolled completed the course and successfully demonstrated the required competencies through assignments and projects.
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
ISBN: 0-932101-43-7
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number O14190
