The impact of computers on the achievement of special needs students By: Jessica Krauss

Research Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine how academic achievement may be effected among special needs students who have computers integrated into their curriculum and those who do not have computers integrated into their curriculum.

Sub-Problems: What is meant by “special needs students”? How much computer time is needed? Is assistive technology included in this study?

Hypothesis: There will be a significant difference in academic achievement among special need children who have computers integrated into their daily curriculum and those who do not have computers integrated into their daily curriculum.

Relevance to Education: This study is relevant to education because of the current movement in computers today. More and more students with special needs are using computers. Computer instruction should focus on meaningful comprehension. Computer use should foster active involvement and stimulate thinking (Bowe, 1994). It is important to know and analyze student progress in relation to computer use. Technology refers to instructional approaches that are very well defined objectives, precise instructional procedures based upon the tasks that the students are required to learn and careful monitoring of students performance (Blackhurst, 1997). This study is also relevant to help determine some positive and negative aspects of computer use with special needs students.

Hypothesis: Research Hypothesis:Research Hypothesis: There will be an impact on special needs student’s achievement due to computer usage. Operational Hypothesis:Operational Hypothesis: There will be an impact on the achievement of special needs students due to computer use according to various classroom assessments. Null Hypothesis:Null Hypothesis: There will not be a significant impact on achievement due to computer usage.

Significance of Study: Many schools have several ways of assessing students with special needs. To many people, the term “technology” conjures up visions of computer and other related “high-tech” devices that are viewed as being very expensive and very complicated to use. Often, such perspectives focus solely on hardware and equipment and overlook the role of procedures that relate to the delivery of technology services but do not involve the use of equipment or devices. Throughout this study, the delivery of special education services and the use of technology in supporting special education will be observed and described. During this study, special needs students who use technology in their daily curriculum and those who do not will be observed and tested on their academic achievement. This study will determine the effect of computers on the academic achievement of special needs students.

Review of Literature: I.Effects of technology on student achievement I. Effects of technology on student achievement The level of effectiveness of education is influenced by: A. Specific student population B. Software design C. Educator’s Role D. How students are grouped E. Level of student access to technology II. Effects of Technology on student-concept and attitude about learning A. Recent Studies B. Self-concept III. Benefits of computer-based instruction A. Standardized test scores B. Instant feedback

Variables: Independent Variable:Independent Variable: Special Needs Students Dependent Variables:Dependent Variables: Computers Academic Achievement Confounding Variables:Confounding Variables: Teacher training Age of students What grades will be compared Location of study Length of study Sample size Academic standing of each student

Ethical Concerns: This study will take place in education classrooms, which means the following ethnical concerns must be addressed: Guarantee of the subjects individual privacy Informed consent of subject’s parents/guardians Providing participants with information about the study Minimizing interferes with the students daily routine will be kept to a minimum Reporting of results

Funding: The Spencer Foundation 875 North Michigan Ave. Suite 3930 Chicago, IL Education-Research Grants Program U.S. Dept. Of Ed 555 New Jersey Ave. Suite 627 Washington, DC 20208

References: Berman, B. (1997). The Effectiveness of Using Technology on k-12 Education: A Preliminary Framework and Review. Washington, D.C.: American Institutes for Research Blackhurst, E. (1997). Perspectives about technology in Special Education. University of Kentucky Assistive Technology Project Bowe, F.C. (1994). Personal Computers and Special Needs. Berkely, CA: Sybex Sherry, L. (2001). Assessing the impact of Instructional Technology on Student Achievement. Council Bluffs, IA: Council Bluffs Community Schools Website