The Digital Technology in the Learning of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Applied Classroom Settings

Authors

Kathleen Tanner, University of WollongongFollow
Roselyn M. Dixon, University of WollongongFollow
Irina Verenikina, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

34851

Publication Details

Tanner, K., Dixon, R. M. & Verenikina, I. (2010). The Digital Technology in the Learning of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Applied Classroom Settings. In J. Herrington & B. Hunter (Eds.), Proceedings of World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications 2010 (pp. 2586-2591). Chesapeake, VA: AACE.

Abstract

This paper describes a research study that is a stepping stone to further research on the affordances of digital technologies in the learning of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The study is framed around the modern understanding of technologies as cognitive tools for learning based on the theory of social and cultural mediation of children’s development and learning (Vygotsky, 1978), together with Activity Theory (Engestrom, 2001). The study focuses on the day-to-day reality of the use of computer and other digital technologies to assist the classroom learning of children with ASD. A series of observations, semi-structured interviews with teachers and video recordings have been undertaken to capture the ways that technologies have been utilised to support learning of children with ASD in a classroom setting.