1. Final Action Research Proposal Presentation Jasmine Crowder EDU 671: Fundamentals of Educational Research Dr. Tony Valley January 9, 2014

2. Area of Focus  The purpose of this study is to show how the use of assistive technology improves the academic performances of students with learning disabilities. There are a few things that must be determined: 1. The level of the students disability 2. What can this child already do? 3. Which device would best benefit the student?

3. Locus of Control I know a lot about technology, so when introducing it to my students, if they have any trouble, I would be able to help them.

4. Problem Too often are there students with disabilities that fall behind in class, act out, or simply just don’t understand. It can be challenging for some regular Ed. teachers to teach these types of students who have a disability. Some students may struggle in interpretation, reading, and/or writing, but not limited. There are many disabilities that can affect student classroom performances such as: Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and a long list of other disabilities.

5. Variables The participants range from grades K-2. Some students have disabilities, the most severe is autism.. These children face many struggles in the classroom. I chose to work with this group because I enjoy early childhood education the best and I since I am more familiar with this age, I felt it was the best pick. I find it very interesting to see how technology devices work for these students.

6. Devices iPads iPads are easy to use and students will have access to preloaded learning applications. Computers There are many different uses for a computer. There are also types of software such as: screen reader, voice to text, and also word prediction. Students will have access to educational sights.

7. Research Questions 1.What technology devices will be used in your classroom? 2.How will the teacher incorporate technology into her lesson plan? 3.How will you measure whether students are benefitting from the use of these technology devices?

8. Intervention/Innovation In my study, I will show how assistive technology improves the academic abilities of students with learning disabilities. In some cases educators find it challenging to work with students with disabilities. There are a number of studies that show how students with a number of disabilities benefit from the use of different technology devices. In my study I will go into more detail about how what devices are used and how teachers assist them. First I would begin by recognizing the level of the student’s ability. Then I would research to determine which device would be more appropriate based on their learning disability. I would also collaborate with other teachers who may have students with disabilities. I would observe students to ensure that the devices benefit them. I would do frequent assessments also.

9. Ethical Considerations I will have to find methods to incorporate technology within my lesson plans so that it’s accessible to all students. Technology is very flexible and can be used by all students.

10. Negotiations Parent permission Approval of educational sites from administrators /school boards Student interest Team up with colleagues who could be of some assistance

11. Timeline Phase 1 – Identify the level of the students ability by basically finding out what they can already do Phase 2- Find out in what area the student struggles by observation. Research devices that may help students. Phase 3 – Introduce the students to a technology device i.e. the iPad. Let them explore and become comfortable and introduce them to a particular application in the area they struggle. Modify lessons. Phase 4- Assess students and continue observing. Phase 5- parent meeting. Discuss where students are and decide if device is benefitting. Parent feedback. Share data.

12. Statement of Resources Funds to purchase devices, if not already available Supportive parents

13. Data Collection Research Questions Data Collection ToolWhy this tool? Justify its use in your study. How does it match with what you are attempting to find and to measure? 1. What technology devices are used?  Computers  iPads/Apps  Software I chose these tools because on both computers and iPads, there are a number of different apps/programs for students to use. Screen reader software, Speech recognition software are also helpful for students to may be blind or have no use of their limbs. 2. How do these tools assist disabled students? Increased academics Confidence levels Independence Using these tools allow the students to be independent while also increasing academics and confidence levels. A student who couldn’t normally participate due to some type of disability is given an opportunity to do so with technology. Its important for teachers to incorporate technology in the lesson plan. 3. How will you measure if the child is benefiting from the use of technology?  Assessments  Observations  Academic performance Although technology is all good and fun, we have to make sure that students are actually gaining information and learning. This can be measured through assessments and also frequent observations. An increase in student performance is also a way to measure.

14. Sources Mills, G. E. (2014). Action research: A guide for the teacher researcher. (5th ed.). New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.