Preparing Teachers for Assistive Technology Using Online Learning: A Descriptive Study
Robert K. Kuech
Walter H. Kimball
University of Southern Maine
Abstract
This paper describes the learning environment of the introductory courses provided as part of the Virtual Assistive Technology University (VATU) certificate in assistive technology for educators. VATU, sponsored by The Spurwink Institute and the University of Southern Maine, offered its first course in the spring of 2001. The Web-based courses in this certificate program provide special and general educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to incorporate assistive technology in their educational programs for students with disabilities. This paper provides an in-depth descriptive study of the rationale of strategies for embedding social learning in the first two VATU courses. As each of the seven courses is delivered, assessment of student learning and student and instructor feedback and reflection will guide the course developers and instructors in improving the effectiveness of social learning.
About the Author(s)...
Robert K. Kuech is a former high school science teacher who now specializes in teaching science education methods at the University of Southern Maine. Dr. Kuech’s research focuses on how interactions between students and between students and instructors promote conceptual understanding. He is also interested in how appropriate use of technology can facilitate these conceptual interactions. Dr. Kuech is involved in the Extended Teacher Education Program at the University of Southern Maine, and works actively in their professional development schools, providing leadership in science and technology education. He can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Walter H. Kimball is Professor of Teacher Education at the University of Southern Maine. He is coordinator of a graduate level unified general education and special education internship program. Dr. Kimball is also Project Director for Virtual Assistive Technology University, an online certificate program in assistive technology jointly sponsored by The Spurwink Institute and USM. His research interests are unified general education/special education teacher preparation and integrating technology into a teaching internship. He can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
