TEACHERS' PROFILE, AT UTILIZATION, AND IMPACT ON TEACHING EXCEPTIONAL LEARNERS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Main Article Content

MARC ANGEL R. DE LA PEÑA, JESSA MAE C. FERNANDEZ, CIRILYN G. GOMEZ

Abstract

This study employed a descriptive correlational design to investigate the collaborative role of teachers' profiles, assistive technology utilization, and their impact on teaching exceptional learners in public schools. A convenience sample of 63 teachers who had experience teaching exceptional learners in self-contained and inclusive classrooms in Mandaue City, Philippines, was surveyed to understand the relationships between teachers' profiles, assistive technology utilization, and the impact on learners with exceptionalities. The findings revealed that teacher profiles, particularly educational attainment and income, influenced the perceived effectiveness of middle-to-high technology. Teachers reported that assistive technology positively impacted learners' participation, independence, and skills. Based on these insights, a profile-aligned matrix action plan is recommended to equip special education and inclusion teachers to choose and implement appropriate technologies aligned with exceptional learners' needs. With appropriate government support, the integration of teachers' competencies, technology utilization, and learners' outcomes can be optimized to improve exceptional education through a systemic, profile-aligned approach.

Article Details

Section
Articles
Author Biography

MARC ANGEL R. DE LA PEÑA, JESSA MAE C. FERNANDEZ, CIRILYN G. GOMEZ

MARC ANGEL R. DE LA PEÑA1, JESSA MAE C. FERNANDEZ2, CIRILYN G. GOMEZ3

Cebu Technological University - Main Campus123

References

A du Plessis, A. (2021). Using Information Communication Technologies and Assistive Technologies to Address Specific Barriers to Teaching and Learning in Schools. In Empowering Students and Maximising Inclusiveness and Equality through ICT (pp. 88-113). Brill. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3OaRwFw

Abraham, C. H., Boadi-Kusi, B., Morny, E. K. A., & Agyekum, P. (2022). Smartphone usage among people living with severe visual impairment and blindness. Assistive Technology, 34(5), 611-618. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3BK9fge

Al-Dababneh, K. A., & Al-Zboon, E. K. (2022). Using assistive technologies in the curriculum of children with specific learning disabilities served in inclusion settings: teachers’ beliefs and professionalism. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 17(1), 23-33. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3X4k0Sv

Aldabas, R., & Alhossein, A. (2023). Factors predicting current and future use of video-modelling in teaching students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD): a Saudi Arabian perspective. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 1-7. Accessed from https://bit.ly/43FfX2F

Alghamdi, R. (2022). Teachers’ perceptions of assistive technology use for students with disabilities. Journal of Digital learning in teacher eDucation, 38(2), 56-70. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3NUAAlt

Allam, F. C., & Martin, M. M. (2021). Issues and Challenges in Special Education: A Qualitative Analysis from Teacher's Perspective. Southeast Asia Early Childhood, 10(1), 37-49. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3XYhbEZ

Alves, F. J., De Carvalho, E. A., Aguilar, J., De Brito, L. L., & Bastos, G. S. (2020). Applied behavior analysis for the treatment of autism: A systematic review of assistive technologies. IEEE Access, 8, 118664-118672. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3PU99uA

Al-Zboon, E. (2020). Perceptions of assistive technology by teachers of students with visual impairments in Jordan. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 114(6), 488-501. Accessed from https://bit.ly/46LzDo9

Atanga, C., Jones, B. A., Krueger, L. E., & Lu, S. (2020). Teachers of students with learning disabilities: Assistive technology knowledge, perceptions, interests, and barriers. Journal of Special Education Technology, 35(4), 236-248. Accessed from Accessed from https://bit.ly/3JCsGwy

Ayantoye, S. K. (2023). Role of assistive technology in enhancing perticipation of children with disabilities in basic education in Nigeria. Exploring the Perspective of Special Education Teachers. Accessed from https://gupea.ub.gu.se/handle/2077/77652

Babia, J. P., Alaras, L. G., Cotejo, D. G. I., & Candia, B. A. E. (2022). Assistive Technology Services in Sped Schools. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 6(3), 8740-8754. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3DdGn0l

Berner, K., & Alves, A. N. (2021). A scoping review of literature using speech recognition technologies by individuals with disabilities in multiple contexts. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 1-7. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3DbAi4v

Cagiltay, K., Cakir, H., Karasu, N., Islim, O. F., & Cicek, F. (2019). Use of educational technology in special education: Perceptions of teachers. Participatory Educational Research, 6(2), 189-205. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3rymONF

Chaidi, I., Drigas, A., & Karagiannidis, C. (2021). ICT in special education. Technium Soc. Sci. J., 23, 187. Accessed from http://bitly.ws/EHco

Cooc, N. (2019). Teaching students with special needs: International trends in school capacity and the need for teacher professional development. Teaching and Teacher Education, 83, 27-41. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3MC6Udr

Devi, C. R., & Sarkar, R. (2019). Assistive technology for educating persons with intellectual disability. European Journal of Special Education Research. Accessed from https://bit.ly/43bla2h

Drelick, A. M., Cochrane, D. P., & Potts, L. (2022). RESNA position paper on the capacity-building role of assistive technology specialists in PreK-12 educational settings. Assistive Technology, 1-14. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3NQ6y2b

Fahrman, B., Norström, P., Gumaelius, L., & Skogh, I. B. (2020). Experienced technology teachers’ teaching practices. International journal of technology and design education, 30(1), 163-186. Accessed from https://bit.ly/435LGtJ

Febrianto, P. T., Mas’udah, S., & Megasari, L. A. (2020). Implementation of online learning during the covid-19 pandemic on Madura Island, Indonesia. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 19(8), 233-254. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3MGs22a

Gaboy, R. G., Mabalay, M. C., Mananghaya, M. E., Mercado, M. G. M., & Romblon, B. M. (2020). Coping with the new norm: ICT-pedagogy integration awareness and competencies of TEI faculty. Journal of Research, Policy & Practice of Teachers and Teacher Education, 10(2), 49-62. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3PP2eTt

Gregersen, T., Mercer, S., & MacIntyre, P. D. (2021). Language teacher perspectives on stress and coping. Foreign Language Annals, 54(4), 1145-1163. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3pSUhBN

Howard, J., Fisher, Z., Kemp, A. H., Lindsay, S., Tasker, L. H., & Tree, J. J. (2022). Exploring the barriers to using assistive technology for individuals with chronic conditions: a meta-synthesis review. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 17(4), 390-408. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3pLNtWS

Hughes, J., Thomas, R., & Scharber, C. (2006, March). Assessing technology integration: The RAT–replacement, amplification, and transformation-framework. In Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference (pp. 1616-1620). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Accessed from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/22293/

Kamaghe, J. S., Luhanga, E. T., & Michael, K. (2020). The challenges of adopting M-learning assistive technologies for visually impaired learners in higher learning institution in Tanzania. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3O9qFcZ

Kidwai, J., Brumberg, J., & Gatts, J. (2022). Aphasia and high-tech communication support: a survey of SLPs in USA and India. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 1-10. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3DaKE4K

Kinds, K. L. (2019). An Evaluation of the Experiences of Special Education Teachers with the Ability Grouping Teaching Method in Self-Contained, Special Education Classrooms (Doctoral dissertation, City University of Seattle). Accessed from https://bit.ly/44NDIq9

Kisanga, S. E., & Kisanga, D. H. (2022). The role of assistive technology devices in fostering the participation and learning of students with visual impairment in higher education institutions in Tanzania. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 17(7), 791-800. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3BG6EDI

Kuo, H. J., Sung, C., Newbutt, N., Politis, Y., & Robb, N. (2021). Current trends in technology and wellness for people with disabilities: an analysis of benefit and risk. Recent Advances in Technologies for Inclusive Well-Being: Virtual Patients, Gamification and Simulation, 353-371. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3pV57ay

Lawrence, E. M., Rogers, R. G., Zajacova, A., & Wadsworth, T. (2019). Marital happiness, marital status, health, and longevity. Journal of Happiness Studies, 20(5), 1539-1561. Accessed from https://bit.ly/436AE7v

McNicholl, A., Casey, H., Desmond, D., & Gallagher, P. (2021). The impact of assistive technology use for LEs in higher education: a systematic review. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 16(2), 130-143. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3FVIRm2

Nomaguchi, K., & Milkie, M. A. (2020). Parenthood and well‐being: A decade in review. Journal of Marriage and Family, 82(1), 198-223. https://bit.ly/46JllEn

Okonji, P. E., & Ogwezzy, D. C. (2019). Awareness and barriers to adoption of assistive technologies among visually impaired people in Nigeria. Assistive Technology, 31(4), 209-219. Accessed from https://bit.ly/44DCHAE

Predhep, A. S. (2023). Navigating the Challenges of Writing: A Narrative Study on the User Acceptance and Potential Use of an Assistive Device for Children with Motor Impairments. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3NPYb6I

Pundlik, S., Shivshanker, P., & Luo, G. (2023). Impact of Apps as Assistive Devices for Visually Impaired Persons. Annual Review of Vision Science, 9. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3BJgZiq

Regan, K., Evmenova, A. S., Sacco, D., Schwartzer, J., Chirinos, D. S., & Hughes, M. D. (2019). Teacher perceptions of integrating technology in writing. Technology, Pedagogy and Education, 28(1), 1-19. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3JVrzY9

Rombaoa Tanaka, N., Boyce, L. K., Chinn, C. C., & Murphy, K. N. (2020). Improving early care and education professionals’ teaching self-efficacy and well-being: A mixed methods exploratory study. Early education and development, 31(7), 1089-1111. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3McZN9T

Saloviita, T. (2020). Attitudes of teachers towards inclusive education in Finland. Scandinavian journal of educational research, 64(2), 270-282. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3IlyKYX

Satsangi, R., Miller, B., & Savage, M. N. (2019). Helping teachers make informed decisions when selecting assistive technology for secondary students with disabilities. Preventing School Failure: Alternative Education for Children and Youth, 63(2), 97-104. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3PS9ttX

Senjam, S. S., Manna, S., & Bascaran, C. (2021). Smartphones-Based Assistive Technology: Accessibility Features and Apps for People with Visual Impairment, and its Usage, Challenges, and Usability Testing. Clinical optometry, 311-322. Accessed from https://bit.ly/43hGGT3

Shrestha, S., & Shah, A. (2020). Current Status of Assistive Technology for AAC for People with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Nepal. SCITECH Nepal, 15(1), 36-44. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3ru21en

Simpson, C. (2020). Predicting assistive technology service utilization and grade point average for postsecondary students with disabilities (Doctoral dissertation, Colorado State University). Accessed from https://bit.ly/3NJLz0Y

Siyam, N. (2019). Factors impacting special education teachers’ acceptance and actual use of technology. Education and Information Technologies, 24(3), 2035-2057. Accessed from https://bit.ly/43vJnzP

Van Niekerk, K., Dada, S., & Tönsing, K. (2019). Influences on selection of assistive technology for young children in South Africa: perspectives from rehabilitation professionals. Disability and Rehabilitation, 41(8), 912-925. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3pPOgWx

Venkatesh, V., & Zhang, X. (2010). Unified theory of acceptance and use of technology: US vs. China. Journal of global information technology management, 13(1), 5-27. https://bit.ly/3XF1Ysd

Visser, M., Nel, M., De Klerk, M., Ganzevoort, A., Hubble, C., Liebenberg, A., ... & Young, M. (2020). The use of assistive technology in classroom activities for learners with motor impairments at a special school in South Africa. South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 50(2), 11-22. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3XSs2jn

Wahono, B., & Chang, C. Y. (2019). Assessing teacher’s attitude, knowledge, and application (AKA) on STEM: An effort to foster the sustainable development of STEM education. Sustainability, 11(4), 950. Accessed from https://bit.ly/43920tG

West, A., Swanson, J., & Lipscomb, L. (2019). Ch. 11 scaffolding. Instructional methods, strategies and technologies to meet the needs of all learners. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3BIUhab

Winter, E., Costello, A., O’Brien, M., & Hickey, G. (2021). Teachers’ use of technology and the impact of Covid-19. Irish educational studies, 40(2), 235-246. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3WmA03F

NON-JOURNAL

Anderson, S. E., & Putman, R. S. (2020). Special education teachers’ experience, confidence, beliefs, and knowledge about integrating technology. Journal of Special Education Technology, 35(1), 37-50. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3JXaygm

Jacobsen, D. L. (2012). Assistive technology for students with disabilities: Resources and challenges encountered by teachers. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3PHIyRs

BOOKS

Cook, A. M., & Polgar, J. M. (2007). Cook and Hussey's assistive technologies-e-book: principles and practice. Elsevier Health Sciences. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3NUqaSU

Encarnação, P., & Cook, A. M. (2023). What Are Assistive Technologies?. The Routledge International Handbook of Children's Rights and Disability. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3XNjoTv

REPORTS/WHITE PAPERS

World Health Organization. (2022). Strategic action framework to improve access to assistive technology in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Accessed from https://bit.ly/3MF8V8Q