Open AccessA Qualitative Exploration of Preservice Teachers’ Preparation to Use Assistive Technology in Saudi Arabia
Author(s) -
Abu-Alghayth,
Khalid Mohammed
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
al-mağallaẗ al-duwaliyyaẗ li-l-abḥāṯ al-tarbawiyyaẗ
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2519-6146
pISSN - 2519-6154
DOI - 10.36771/ijre.45.1.21-pp303-327
Subject(s) - practicum , qualitative research , psychology , medical education , qualitative property , assistive technology , teacher preparation , teacher education , mathematics education , pedagogy , medicine , computer science , sociology , social science , human–computer interaction , machine learning
Preparing future teachers for assistive technology (AT) usage is essential for effective and appropriate teaching of students with disabilities. Teacher preparation to use AT in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is still not thorough and has been linked to teachers’ lack of AT use with students. Thus, in this study, a qualitative approach was employed to explore preservice teacher preparation to use AT. Utilizing a qualitative survey questionnaire, data were collected from 32 participants from two Saudi universities. Three major themes from the data were obtained for this study: (a) teacher preparation, (b) learning experiences, and (c) perceived needs. The findings revealed a significant paucity of learning experiences regarding AT usage, AT courses, and AT practices, with the participants indicating a pressing need for prior practicum training.