Assistive Technology and Students with Disabilities

The purpose of the research was to determine whether StudyMate (Version 1.0) lessens the achievement gap for students with learning disabilities (LD) as compared to regular students without an online study aid. The experiences of students with LD were examined as they utilized StudyMate, and student and teacher attitudes were identified. Ten students with LD from a tenth-grade inclusion literature class used StudyMate in a resource class for 3 weeks, 3 days a week for 30 minute sessions to support the literature content. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used in this study and included pretests and posttests, student journal entries, teacher observation notes, student surveys, student interviews, and teacher interviews. Test scores suggested that StudyMate (Version 1.0) lessened the achievement gap for students with LD as compared to regular students. Student journal entries and teacher observation notes indicated the learning experiences of students while using the online study aid were positive, and interview responses revealed positive student and teacher attitudes toward the use of StudyMate (Version1.0). The results of the study were communicated to the learning community through a meeting with inclusion teachers, resource teachers, and an administrator. This meeting supported increased use of online study aids as an assistive technology for students with LD, collaborative teacher planning time, and computer lab access to all students.Hinkle, VeriletteZahner, JaneBrovey, AndrewEd.S.Instructional Technolog