Author:
Abstract
One of the most important issues involved in special education kids is limited social interaction as well as speech and language problems which have a great impact on their lives. In order to overcome these problems, these kids are usually referred to SLPs (speech and language pathologists) along with special education teachers with the expectation that eventually they will learn how to speak. Consequently, SLPs have started to play an important role in SEN (special educational needs) kids’ education. With regard to technology, it is seen that using educational technology is increasing day by day. This is especially true when educational technology is considered as using media. In this regard, it seems plausable to question the role of SLPs play in using technology in special education as effective use of technology may support SEN kids in their way to lead an independent life. In this respect, this study differs from many others in that it tries to explore the ideas of SLPs who are getting more involved in the lives of SEN kids each and every day. This is a qualitative study which used phenomenological design. In collecting data, the study benefited from semi-structured interviews and in data analyses descriptive analysis technique was used. At the end of the study, it is explored that speech and language therapists’ opinions show a great variety from requiring support for their own professional development to their students’ tax reductions when purchasing educational technology items.
Keywords
Abstract
One of the most important issues involved in special education kids is limited social interaction as well as speech and language problems which have a great impact on their lives. In order to overcome these problems, these kids are usually referred to SLPs (speech and language pathologists) along with special education teachers with the expectation that eventually they will learn how to speak. Consequently, SLPs have started to play an important role in SEN (special educational needs) kids’ education. With regard to technology, it is seen that using educational technology is increasing day by day. This is especially true when educational technology is considered as using media. In this regard, it seems plausable to question the role of SLPs play in using technology in special education as effective use of technology may support SEN kids in their way to lead an independent life. In this respect, this study differs from many others in that it tries to explore the ideas of SLPs who are getting more involved in the lives of SEN kids each and every day. This is a qualitative study which used phenomenological design. In collecting data, the study benefited from semi-structured interviews and in data analyses descriptive analysis technique was used. At the end of the study, it is explored that speech and language therapists’ opinions show a great variety from requiring support for their own professional development to their students’ tax reductions when purchasing educational technology items.