Convenient Distance Education Training in Technology.

Overview & Synopsis

The National Association of State Directors of Special Education, through its Research Institute of Assistive and Training Technologies (RIATT@NASDSE), has developed a planned approach to professional development in the area of assistive technology using distance education. This award-winning distance education program offers convenient, inexpensive training to professionals using multimedia materials at home. The program comprises 15 four-week long courses in which participants use multimedia materials and e-mail to complete their assignments and participate in class discussions. Participants may earn continuing education units and can work toward competency certificates in specific areas of assistive technology. Several universities accept RIATT@NASDSE courses for graduate and undergraduate credit. The program has been implemented successfully in several states, which report the following positive outcomes: renewed statewide enthusiasm, access to training by all rural professionals, enhanced communication among districts, increased participation at conferences, a common knowledge base, and satisfaction of related parental concerns. Brief profiles explain how the RIATT@NASDSE program has been used to enhance professional development in Kansas, Indiana, Maine, Ohio, Idaho, Alabama, New Mexico, and New York. (SV)