Participatory design for the development of inclusive educational technologies: A systematic review

Abstract

Computer technology offers huge potential for assisting People with Disabilities (PwD), whether in daily activities, rehabilitation, or educational processes. However, we observed in literature that High Assistive Technologies (HATs) must be customized for each PwD, since a technology that works for one does not always work for another. In this scenario, the Participatory Design (PD) approach proves adequately to produce customized HATs for PwD teaching and learning. Using PD approach, this paper discusses the adaptation of PD4CAT method, including the educational stakeholders in the process. This adaptation is based on results of the Systematic Review, from which derive methods, technics and technologies to support the development of educational technologies for PwD, including the user from the very beginning of the design process. The method was validated by a case study that involved a child with cerebral palsy, caregivers, therapists and educators. Therefore, an educational assistive technology was developed to support the child in the literacy process. It's intended, this way, to enable that HATS in educational context, as on the Computer Science and Engineering learning, can be developed in a participatory way and including educators on the design process, in order to facilitate the PwD learning in several knowledge areas.