Technology and disabilities: Why it can help and hinder learning

Abstract

Technology is a common occurrence in almost every elementary classroom today. In this research study, I am going to be discussing how technology can have both a positive and negative effect on students who have disabilities. My research methods included conducting an online survey and two interviews with parents and teachers. Through my research, I found that there are many concerns with how technology is used in the classroom, but for the most part it ends in a positive outcome for the students. However, there is always room for improvement when using digital technologies, and my research demonstrates that it takes cooperation between the parents and the teachers for technology to truly be successful for an elementary student. As a teacher candidate, my findings have shown how important technology is to elementary students, and how, when used in an appropriate manner, technology can be an incredible tool for students with disabilities to use.