Training pre-service general educators in assistive technology competencies for students with visual impairments

Abstract

Teacher knowledge of, and comfort with, assistive technology (AT) is key for student use of AT. Previous research identified the AT competencies needed for instructing students with visual impairments (VI) and level of competency required in each. The authors selected 20 of the competencies most appropriate for general education teachers instructing students with VI and investigated the impact of pre-service teacher training in AT on their self-rated competency levels. Pre-service teachers were given a pre-test (using qualitative and quantitative measures), trained in AT using a scavenger hunt in the AT Lab at the university where the study took place, and then completed a post-test of the same measures. Participants could name more AT software and devices on the post-test and viewed themselves as more competent with regards to the 20 SAT competencies.