Emma Rhyner Source 1

Burdette, Paula J., Diana L. Greer, and Kari L. Woods. "K-12 Online Learning And Students With Disabilities: Perspectives From State Special Education Directors." Journal Of Asynchronous Learning Networks 17.3 (2013): 65-72. ERIC. Web. 1 Mar. 2015

Because it was hard to find sources about technology in middle school education, I have switched my topic to technology in special education. Therefore, my question to answer for this source is: what are some benefits to utilizing technology in special education?


This article specifically talks about the more logistical benefits to integrating technology into special education such as the economical impact. It also dealt with students of grade K-12. It began by discussing how technology in special education began in higher education and is now rapidly growing to K-12 schools all around the country. The K-12 programs are able to learn from the experiences of these higher learning institutions. As I mentioned, it deeply discusses the financial benefits of technology because it allows to cut down on costs so that students can be provided with more opportunities. It also allows students to receive more individualized learning and flexible schedules to work with their needs. It concludes by saying overall, the use of technology and online teaching greatly benefits special needs students.

This article was very interesting for me to read because I do not think I ever would have thought of the specifics it mentioned. I went into this project thinking about how technology would benefit the students. I never thought about how it would affect the schools or districts that provide that sort of education to the students. This source has definitely presented me with benefits of special education even beyond the class room. I whole-heartedly agree that technology belongs in all classrooms especially special ed ones. I think that the individualized instruction each student receives will help them to be successfully in the rest of their academics and possibly life.

Now that I have started to see some benefits, I am beginning to think about the drawbacks. If we use technology as a teaching guide, what happens to special education teachers? Does demand for them decrease? I think in order to discover my entire argument, I need to look at all sides of the effects of technology on special ed. I am also starting to think about what kind of technology is best integrated into these types of class rooms: iPads? Laptops? I look forward to doing more research to answer these questions.