Saudi Teachers’ Perceptions of ICT Implementation for Student with Autism Spectrum Disorder at Mainstream Schools

Abstract

This study aimed at examining Saudi Teachers’ Perceptions of ICT Implementation for Student with Autism Spectrum Disorder at Mainstream Schools. Studies have shown that the use of ICT can improve learning activities of students’ with autism through improved communication, better interactions and enhanced skills. However, the perceptions of teachers may differ with the findings of these studies, particularly in the case of Saud Arabia. The study used qualitative methodology that entailed a review the past literature on this topic and a survey questionnaire that involved sample of 70 teachers from Riyadh City who specializes in teaching students with autism. The sample was determined randomly and data was collected using questionnaires. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to determine the reliability of the data. The findings indicate that the teachers have a positive attitude towards the use of ICT in teaching students with autism. They agreed that simple systems that can support social interactions among students would be beneficial for their studies. It is thus concluded that the use of teachers to collect necessary information for designing the right systems would ensure a number of barriers are eliminated and the systems proved beneficial in educating students with autism

Keywords: ICT, Implementation, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Teachers’ perceptions