A Survey of Microcomputer Technology Use in Rural Special Education

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the use of microcomputers and the training needs associated with their implementation by special educators in small rural midwestern school districts. Questionnaires were distributed to 401 special educators. The results indicated that 87% of the special educators responding have been using the microcomputers for an average of less than 3 years. Microcomputers are used fairly often with drill and practice, reinforcement games, and tutorial programs in the special education classroom. If integration of this technology into the special education curriculum can be measured by the level of formal planning, this study found only half plan for microcomputer use on a daily or hourly basis. Special educators reported that most students use the microcomputer at least once a day and that their students are highly motivated by working on the microcomputer. Most reported that they learned about microcomputer applications in the classroom from hands-on experience. Additional data are presented, along with suggestions for special education teacher educators for inservice and staff development programs for rural school districts.