The perception and use of technology within braille instruction: A preliminary study of braille teaching professionals

Abstract

A convenience sample (n = 35) of Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs) and Rehabilitation Specialists completed a survey about their instructional techniques and perspectives on the relationship between braille and technology. While 62.5% of TVIs and Rehabilitation Specialists working with children, adolescents, or adults use technology in braille instruction, only 26.3% of those working with seniors use technology when teaching these clients. Rehabilitation Specialists felt significantly less knowledgeable about technologies than TVIs and used technology less frequently. TVIs felt more strongly that technology increased learner motivation and that the use of technology improved learning outcomes. These results suggest that the level of technological knowledge and instructor beliefs in the benefits such technologies provide may impact the decision to incorporate technology within braille instruction. Additional study is required to assess the validity of the motivational and learning benefits of various technologies within braille training programs.