Making the most of computers: An investigation of the attitudes and opinions of students and teachers concerning the use of computers for the instruction of students with special learning needs

This study investigated the attitudes and opinions of students and teachers regarding the use of computers with students having special learning needs. Using a quasi-experimental design with three non-equivalent groups, within and between subjects effects were studied using a survey instrument and follow-up interviews. The students and teachers at three school sites, consisting of students in grades 5 through 13, participated in pre and post-test surveys. One site served as the experimental group, while the other two were control groups. The experimental condition consisted of the installation of a campus-wide computer network for use by all students and teachers at the experimental site. The survey consisted of demographic questions as well as 26 pre-test and 27 post-test questions. A 19 item scale measured participants\u27 general attitudes about computers in schools. A four item scale measured participants\u27 attitudes about the use of computers by students with special needs. Two items served as independent outcome measures of participants\u27 attitudes about students\u27 and teachers\u27 comfort level and worry about computer use. Twelve follow-up interviews were conducted with two students and two teachers from each school. The interviews focused on having participants discuss their attitudes and opinions about the use of computers in special education. The survey data were analyzed using analysis of variance, multiple regression, and repeated measures procedures. The interviews were evaluated using Glaser and Straus\u27 Grounded Theory methods. Results from the surveys showed that there was no correlation between the experimental condition and changes in students\u27 and teachers\u27 attitudes and opinions about computer use in special education. These data also showed that the most significant variables related to students\u27 and teachers\u27 attitudes and opinions were variables related to past experience using computers as well as their school affiliation. The interview data supported the survey results and showed that how the interview participants had used computers in the past related to their current attitudes, opinions. Taken together, these data suggest that schools can shape the computer-related attitudes and opinions of students and teachers. Recommendations include providing students and teachers with regular access to computer uses that are embedded in curricular activities