Examining effects of a technology-enhanced extracurriculum on special education students with intellectual disability


Thesis Type: Postgraduate

Institution Of The Thesis: Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, Faculty of Education, Department of Computer Education and Instructional Technology, Turkey

Approval Date: 2015

Student: SİBEL DOĞAN

Supervisor: GÖKNUR KAPLAN

Abstract:

This study aims to find out how a technology-enhanced extra curriculum affects students with intellectual disability in terms of cognitive and physical development; along with teachers’ perceptions. The participants of the study were 58 students with intellectual disability, who were attending “Ankara Sait Ulusoy Özel Eğitim ve Uygulama Merkezi.” These 58 special education students were invited to Computer Education and Instructional Technology (CEIT) Department in Middle East Technical University (METU) for three semesters. In line with the technology enhanced extra-curriculum, students participated in various activities, such as recording a short video, playing concept games on touch table. Various data collection techniques were utilized in the study. The researcher conducted interviews after study was over and observations throughout the activities. Moreover, a demographic questionnaire was administered to teachers. Finally, a document analysis of the drawings of students with intellectual disability was conducted with teachers. Findings from the data analysis showed that technology-enhanced extracurricular activities affected participants in a positive way in terms cognitive and physical development. However, such activities should be regular and continuous in nature, for students to get the most benefit from them. Moreover, materials and games should be chosen appropriately for students’ levels considering their disabilities. In addition to these, it was shown that teachers’ perception is positive towards using technology. Finally, teachers explained that technology based extra-curricular activities should be used for supportive purposes in special education not as the core curriculum or instruction.