Teacher Knowledge and Attitudes Towards the Utilization of Assistive Technology in Educational Settings

The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of special education teachers regarding the use of assistive technology in a school setting. This study also determined current information on teachers\u27 knowledge levels of assistive technology. A survey questionnaire was sent to 120 elementary special education teachers in the Spring of 1999. The questionnaire was concerned wit h teacher knowledge and attitudes towards assistive technology. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results indicated teachers perceive themselves to have a good knowledge base in regards to assistive technology. However, less than half of those teachers are utilizing devices and services in their classrooms. Open-ended questions indicated several barriers to assistive technology usage including the belief that students with learning disabilities do not require assistive technology in their educational programs