Perspectives of future special education teachers towards assistive technologies through the application of a competency-oriented approach

Abstract

The definition of inclusion or the concept of integrating the concept of universal education has recently become increasingly important to prepare an environment that facilitates access to information for all individuals, especially those with special needs. Technological developments provide great changes and innovations in the field of education, as well as in all areas of our age. Especially computer and internet-centred technologies are used in education and enable to be processed with efficient and different methods. The aim of this research is to address the perspectives of future special education teachers on assistive technologies with a competency-oriented approach. For this purpose, 41 senior teacher candidates studying in the special education department of education faculties of 3 universities were interviewed in the fall term of 2020–2021. In order to reach the aim of the research, three semi-structured questions prepared by the researcher by taking expert opinions were asked. As a result of the research, it has been found that assistive technologies are beneficial for both students and teachers. As a result of the examples given by the senior pre-service teachers about assistive technologies, it was concluded that they knew a limited number of assistive technologies.

Keywords: Technology, special education, competency-oriented, education;