Teacher’s Attitudes and Perceptions Toward the Use of Inspiration 6 Software in Inclusive World History Classes at the Secondary Level Summary by Katie Willey; Article written by Richard Boon, Cecil Fore III and Vicky Spencer

What is the purpose of this article? To examine teachers’ attitudes and perceptions toward the use of technology-based instruction as an effective instructional strategy in inclusive social studies classes.

Benefit of Inspiration Software? Computerized graphic organizers have; Helped students with disabilities improve their comprehension in secondary content-area classes. Shown to increase academic performance in content-area classes for students with and without disabilities in; social studies, science, language arts and study skills instruction.

So, it helps. But, what do teachers think? To find this answer, teachers from a separate large scale study were surveyed; three high school teachers (including one general education teacher) two special education teachers …and were asked these questions;

Question Number 1 Did you think the Inspiration 6 software helped the students learn the content information? If so, how did the software help the students to recall more information? Responses: Significant improvement in student achievement Outline format provided structure and organization Software promoted and encouraged learning Improved learning and increased student engagement Novelty of computers in instruction enhanced motivation

Question Number 2 What did you like best about integrating technology-based instruction? Responses: Reduced writing and improved note taking skills Increased learning, time on-task, and student motivation Outlines/graphic organizers can be used as a study guide

Question Number 3 What were some of the most challenging aspects of using technology-based instruction? Responses: Increased time, resources, planning and training to learn software Adapting instruction to meet student and statewide assessment goals/objectives Availability of the computer lab and access to the software Assisting the students in the computer lab during instruction Adapting instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of the students Providing a comprehensive outline in alignment with statewide assessment goals/objectives

Question Number 4 Will you continue to use the software with your students? Why or why not? Responses: “I enjoyed wising the software with our class.” “Yes, I will definitely use the software again.” “I think the software is a wonderful tool. I plan to use the software in my self-contained reading classes.”

Question Number 5 What would you do differently with the software to help students learn the content material? How would you improve it? Responses: Increased time in the high school computer lab More time to review and practice learning the content Conduct the project earlier in the school year to teach students note-taking and study skills

Question Number 6 Is there any additional information you would like to share regarding the software or project? Responses: Students were excited about the novelty of using computers Increased student motivation and enthusiasm Software provided the students with an innovative use of technology in social studies instruction

Conclusion Technology-based instruction in the area of social studies has the potential to enhance student achievement, improve time on-task, and increase student motivation in social studies instruction. Helpful to both students with and without disabilities Concerns include; availability of software and computers, training time, and time in general.

Bibliography Boon, Richard T., Fore, Cecil III., Spencer, Vicky G., (Sept. 2007) Journal of Instructional Psychology 34(3) p