University students with learning disabilities experiences with word technology.

摘要

Word technology is computer-based technology that aids in the production of the written word. Research on university students with learning disabilities' experiences with technology has been dominated by traditional quantitative methods. These methods at their heart have focused on the results in terms of student performance based on the use of a particular piece of computer hardware or software. Qualitative methods appeared to provide a structure for approaching students with learning disabilities directly and gathering their views of the word technology they used on a daily basis.; This qualitative study examined, described, and analyzed the experiences with word technology of six university students with learning disabilities at a major research university. The purpose of this study was to describe university students with learning disabilities' lived experiences with word technology. Individual interviews and observations were central to the examination. Emerging themes were the basis of results of the study.; Results indicated that the participants in this study were not knowledgeable of computer adaptations for students with learning disabilities. Participants had little, if any, experience using computer adaptations prior to their participation in this investigation. The participants also were generally not aware of the location of adaptive computers on campus. Finding identified suggestions for special education practitioners, teacher preparation programs, services for students with disabilities providers, and college students with learning disabilities.