General and Special Education Teachers' Attitudes Toward Using Assistive Technology in Classrooms for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Saudi Arabia
[Thesis]
Alanazi, Abdullah Saleh
Miskovic, Maja
Concordia University Chicago
2019
119
Ph.D.
Concordia University Chicago
2019
The aim of this study was to explore teachers' attitudes toward using assistive technology (AT) for students with Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD) in classrooms in Saudi Arabia based on their training, knowledge, and attitudes, and after controlling for their gender, years of teaching experience, educational role as general or special education teacher, level of education, and grade level of instruction. A sample of 424 teachers were collected in this study. Multiple Linear Regression was conducted for data analysis. Results indicated that trained teachers report a greater of use AT in classrooms for students with ASD. Compared to pre-school teachers, middle school teachers report a greater of use AT. Controlling for other factors, educational role is a significant predictor. Teachers who have more years of teaching experience report also report a greater use of AT in classrooms for students with ASD when controlling for other factors. The results support a greater need for further studies using AT for students with ASD from stakeholders and decision makers perspectives in Saudi Arabia.