Teachers of Special Education and Assistive Technology: Teachers' Perceptions of Knowledge, Competencies and Professional Development

Abstract

The main aim of this study is to quantitatively investigate special education teachers' use of Assistive Technology (AT) in special education through a questionnaire distributed to special education teachers in the Jeddah School District. In all, 64 questionnaires were included in data analysis, which found that teachers have a moderate level of AT knowledge and skills and a moderate knowledge of AT concepts and terms, and felt moderately confident about identifying a variety of AT devices. Moreover, 90% of respondents are strongly interested in receiving more training on AT, preferably through one-on-one individualized instruction and attendance at workshops or conferences. This study recommends AT training as having special importance in preparing a conducive educational environment for students with disabilities, for as the professional development of teachers' competency has a significant influence on teaching students with disabilities, this would better enable teachers to integrate AT into the school curriculum.