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    Using a systems thinking approach to understand teachers perceptions and use of assistive technology in the republic of Ireland


    O’Sullivan, Katriona and McGrane, Amy and Long, Siobhan and Marshall, Kevin and Maclachlan, Malcolm (2021) Using a systems thinking approach to understand teachers perceptions and use of assistive technology in the republic of Ireland. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. pp. 1-9. ISSN 1748-3107

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    Abstract

    Purpose: Assistive technology (AT) enables and promotes inclusion and participation, especially for persons with a disability, ageing populations, and those with non-communicable diseases. AT is essential for generating collaborative learning environments, inclusive of students with a range of specific needs and required supports. However, many teachers lack the training, resources, and skills to use AT in the class. This study uses a systems thinking approach to consider teachers AT needs in the Irish classroom. Methods: Three hundred and five teachers completed an online survey, and 10 took part in semi-structured focus groups. The survey examined teachers experiences with AT, their training needs, and the context within which they need support. Results: Teachers reported low levels of AT knowledge, skills, and confidence. Many described limited access to training and support for AT use. Results also reveal non-systems thinking, whereby there is no meaningful linking across the main strategic drivers of AT - policy, products, provision, and personnel, to support the people at the centre of the AT system – between these and the contextual factors that influence their effectiveness. Conclusion: An AT system which is easy to navigate, which has policies and provision that supports educators, and has expert personnel on hand to support teachers, is crucial if AT is to become embedded in Irish classrooms. This research shows that a comprehensive AT system in education should include policies, practices, personnel, and products that interact to support people to engage easily and successfully with AT in the classroom

    Item Type: Article
    Additional Information: Cite as: Katriona O’Sullivan, Amy McGrane, Siobhan Long, Kevin Marshall & Malcolm Maclachlan (2021) Using a systems thinking approach to understand teachers perceptions and use of assistive technology in the republic of Ireland, Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2021.1878297
    Keywords: Assistive technology; teacher training needs; inclusion; classroom systems thinking
    Academic Unit: Assisting Living & Learning,ALL institute
    Faculty of Science and Engineering > Psychology
    Item ID: 16627
    Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2021.1878297
    Depositing User: Katriona O'Sullivan
    Date Deposited: 17 Oct 2022 10:25
    Journal or Publication Title: Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology
    Publisher: Taylor & Francis online
    Refereed: Yes
    URI:
    Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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