Masters Theses

Date of Award

5-1990

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Teacher Education

Major Professor

Michael Hannum

Abstract

A selection of special education teachers and supervisors across the state of Tennessee participated in a survey that was designed to determine the current level of usage of computers by such persons in special education classes. In addition, factors such as teacher's experience, financial support from administrators, level of skill and amount of training, and personal attitudes were examined in order to determine if there was a relationship between these factors and level of use. Two surveys were given, one to supervisors, who in turn identified teachers in their schools who were already using technology and who might be willing to participate in a more detailed survey specific to computer appplications with their students. The results of these surveys were then tabulated and compared using percentages. Supervisors' and teachers' answers were compared on similar questions, regular and non-regular users' answers were compared, and regular users' answers were examined in order to learn what factors might be associated with their level of use. Regular users were those teachers who used computers frequently, or whose students used the computer at least 30 minutes a week. The results showed most of the teachers contacted are using technology to some degree in their classrooms. Range of use is caused by factors from lack of experience to insufficient administrative support in provision of equipment, software and training. The comparison of how computers are being used with how they are being used in model situations shows that there is much room for improvement.

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