Saudi Pre-Service Special Education Teachers’ Knowledge and Perceptions Toward Using Computer Technology

Abstract

The authors investigated pre-service special education teachers’ prior experience in using computers and their perception of the knowledge, and their preparedness toward integrating computer technology in teaching, barriers in integrating computer technology in their teaching practices and the level of confidence teachers gained from using technology applications in teaching. Fifty-eight pre-service special education female teachers from a college of education in Saudi Arabia responded to a needs assessment survey. Most participants had more than eight years of experience in using computers. They reported that they are able to integrate computer technologies in their teaching but acknowledged the need for more training courses. The barriers mentioned were a lack of equipment, lack of practice, and lack of maintenance. The findings of this research reveal that there is a need to intensify or enhance the technology courses in programs that prepare special education teachers and focus on the practical aspects of integrating technology in teaching.