Roundtable on Special Education Technology in the Higher Education Curriculum.

Overview & Synopsis

This compilation of materials addresses the use of computers as a tool for instruction, management, communication, and personal productivity in special education. Recommendations are presented for establishing or revising special education technology training programs; recommendations deal with educational need, assumptions, goals, program model, content, support systems, finances, resources, materials, integration, personnel, evaluation, and accessibility. Then, descriptions of special education technology training programs are presented from 23 colleges and universities. Each program description is accompanied by samples of course materials, such as course descriptions, course objectives, course syllabi, student/teacher contracts, workshop materials on cooperative learning and computers, educational program competencies, a training model for higher education in special education technology, information on a switch-building workshop, and a paper by Ted Hasselbring titled "Effective Microcomputer Training and Implementation." A prototype training module is presented for integrating technology into special education teacher preparation courses. The module, which focuses on teaching with crossword puzzles, describes formats of crossword puzzles, their uses in several content areas, and their creation through use of computer software. Also included are the "Code of Ethical Conduct for Computer-Using Educators," developed by the International Council for Computers in Education, and a "Microcomputing Competency Self-Assessment for Special Education Professors." (JDD)