Integrating Assistive Technology Into a Teacher Preparation Program

Abstract

Assistive technology (AT), a major source of adapted educational services, has been accepted as a valuable tool for students with disabilities in schools. Teacher readiness is a key factor in determining a student’s successful inclusion, but many general and special education teachers are not fully prepared to implement AT in schools. In this study, special and general education preservice teachers received introductory instruction on AT, including lecture, demonstration of AT devices, discussion, and hands-on experience, at the Assistive and Instructional Technology (AIT) Lab. After the AIT Lab orientation, preservice teachers in both special and general education responded with higher scores regarding their preparedness to implement AT and more positive perspectives toward AT. The results showed that the AIT orientation was particularly beneficial to general education preservice teachers in their preparation for implementing AT.