Teachers' Use of Assistive Technologies in Education

Abstract

Today's educational landscape is complex and ever-changing. Technology continues to develop and advance the quality and scope of instructional methods being utilized across educational settings. At the same time, inclusive education, where persons with disabilities are included into general education classrooms, has become a world-wide initiative. Yet access of students with a disability to assistive technologies, which constitute equipment, devices, or software used to increase, maintain, or improve their capabilities, is limited. Limited student access is due in part to both limited teacher knowledge of and access to such assistive technologies. Even in the business education curriculum where technology courses are offered, teachers are not using potentially helpful technologies for students with a disability who are included in their classrooms. To that end, this chapter reports on business educators' knowledge, use, training and preparation related to teaching students with a disability. Findings indicated additional education in the availability and use of technology and assistive technology are needed.