Awareness on Assistive Technology among Pre-Service Teachers to Promote Inclusive Education

Abstract

This research investigates the awareness of Assistive Technology among preservice teachers in the context of promoting inclusive education. A quantitative survey method was employed using a Guttman scale, validated by experts. The sample consisted of 222 preservice teachers from five B.Ed. colleges in Kasargod District, Kerala. The survey questionnaire, comprising 35 items, assessed awareness of different domains of Assistive Technology. Preliminary results demonstrated good internal consistency of the used instrument. The analysis of the collected data involved descriptive statistics, percentage analysis, and t-tests using SPSS 15.0 and MS Excel. The study found that the awareness of Assistive Technology among preservice teachers was at a moderate level, with no significant variations based on gender, pedagogy subject, or locality. The study also explored factors affecting awareness, finding that while preservice teachers were aware of these tools, their implementation in classrooms remained limited. This research contributes to the understanding of preservice teachers' awareness of Assistive Technology in an Indian context. It underscores the need for comprehensive training to bridge the gap between knowledge and effective utilization of Assistive Technology to support inclusive education. Future efforts should focus on enhancing the practical implementation of Assistive Technology in educational settings.