Problem Statement and Critical Questions
Technology has become a huge part of our society and education and with that, it should be something familiar to my students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. As my students and I have gained access to technology such as iPads, we have used them in a casual manner to supplement and reinforce student learning but the technology has not driven my planning or instruction. Despite being comfortable with the technology, I don’t feel like I’m using it effectively to meet the needs of each of my students - I know there is much more potential for its use in my classroom to enhance my teaching and better engage students but I have not had much formal training in how to maximize the impact of these tools. I have not been given specific direction from the district in how I am expected to use the technology to increase student engagement and achievement. My research aimed to explore ways to more effectively use the available technology in a way that my students will be more engaged and make progress on their IEP goals and objectives.
Questions:
Technology has become a huge part of our society and education and with that, it should be something familiar to my students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. As my students and I have gained access to technology such as iPads, we have used them in a casual manner to supplement and reinforce student learning but the technology has not driven my planning or instruction. Despite being comfortable with the technology, I don’t feel like I’m using it effectively to meet the needs of each of my students - I know there is much more potential for its use in my classroom to enhance my teaching and better engage students but I have not had much formal training in how to maximize the impact of these tools. I have not been given specific direction from the district in how I am expected to use the technology to increase student engagement and achievement. My research aimed to explore ways to more effectively use the available technology in a way that my students will be more engaged and make progress on their IEP goals and objectives.
Questions:
- How can I most effectively use the new technology in my classroom?
- Which tools/apps/software appear to be most engaging for students with Autism in my classroom?
- What real world skills can be gained from students with Autism using technology in the classroom?