Using Interactive Whiteboards as an Assistive Technology for Students with Intellectual Disability

Abstract

The use of interactive white boards (IWB) in schools has become widespread in recent years. One aim of using IWB is to increase efficiency in education through the use of technology. As for all schools, there is a need for special education schools to use these IWBs. According to the literature, the use of technology in the education of students with disabilities makes a very significant difference for them. This study focuses on the impact of courses assisted by multi-media materials presented through IWB on the education of intellectually disabled students in terms of (1) students’ participation and (2) teachers’ teaching practices in the classroom. Participants of this study consisted of four students and two teachers. From the results, it can be seen that the use of IWBs in the education of students with intellectual disabilities has both advantages and disadvantages. Interaction with IWB, large objects, multimedia support were positive effects on students. However, teachers had some trouble with class management at the beginning, but they were able to overcome these problems over time.