The Effects of a Technology-Aided Learning Environment on the Improvement of a Primary Special Education School

The changes demanded by technology are reshaping people's expectations of education. These changing demands and expectations have introduced certain concepts, such as individuals who have become skilled at learning and the learning organization. Individuals and schools, as the most basic unit of educational organizations, should demonstrate a shift from traditional training toward becoming '"learning" or "effective" schools in order to survive in the world today. This requires effective implementation of technology infrastructure in schools and the integration of technology into learning environments. This study aimed to examine the impact of technology-aided learning environments on the improvement of a primary special education school where students with hearing impaired attend. The study adopted qualitative research approach and used case study as a research design. Semi-structured interviews and observations were employed for collecting necessary data. The study sample comprised a school principal, a vice principal, a staff, thirteen teachers and four parents of the students in the school. The data were analyzed qualitatively by using a descriptive analysis through the qualitative analysis software MAXQDA©. It was found that themes such as cooperation and organization for school improvement, innovation and student achievement received the highest level of emphasis. The results of the study suggest that using technology aided learning environments, helped the school to improve, changed the way of teachers' functioning and contributed to their professional development. Progress in the social and academic performances of the students was also observed.

Publisher: Academic Journals