How Modern Technology Can Incorporate Students with Special Needs: A Theoretical Review

Main Article Content

Gabriel Julien

Abstract

It is an undoubted fact that the use of modern technology is increasing at an alarming proportion and is widely utilized in education. While there are disadvantages, there are many benefits. This paper examines how these technologies can enhance the educational capacities of children with special needs. It examines the tenets of inclusion and highlights the significance of equity, diversity, and equality. Special importance is paid to inclusive syllabi and the teaching and learning. To arrive at a clear understanding of this topic, this theoretical review incorporated qualitative research methods. Data revealed that the use of technology enhances cognition and affirms that all children possess competencies and aspirations that could be accomplished in proportionate environments that foster meaningful education.

Article Details

Section

Articles

References

1) Acai, A., Mercer-Mapstone, L., & Guitman, R. (2022). Mind the (gender) gap: Engaging students as partners to promote gender equity in higher education. Teaching in Higher Education, 27(1), 18-38.

https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2019.1696296

2) Ackah-Jnr, F. R. (2020). Inclusive education, a best practice, policy and provision in education systems and schools: The rationale and critique. European Journal of Education Studies, 6(10), 171-183. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3605128

3) Ackerman, R. A., Witt, E. A., Donnellan, M. B., Trzesniewski, K. H., Robins, R. W., & Kashy, D. A. (2011). What does the narcissistic personality inventory really measure? Assessment, 18(1), 67-87.

https://doi.org/10.1177/1073191110382845

4) Aderoju, O. A., & Owolabi, A. M. (2024). Influence of School Counselling and Inclusive Education on Poverty Alleviation Among Adolescents in Oyo Metropolis. Educational Perspectives, 12(3), 346-354.12(3).

chromeextension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://educationalperspectives.org.ng/upload_file/WDVRCOlawoyin%202024.pdf

5) Ainscow, M. (2020). Promoting inclusion and equity in education: lessons from international experiences. Nordic Journal of Studies in Educational Policy, 6(1), 7-16. https://doi.org/10.1080/20020317.2020.1729587

6) Aldrup, K., Carstensen, B. & Klusmann, U. (2022). Is Empathy the Key to Effective Teaching? A Systematic Review of Its Association with Teacher-Student Interactions and Student Outcomes. Educational Psychology Review, 34, 1177-1216.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-021-09649-y

7) Al-Korbi, H., Al-Hamdani, M. A., Ghareeb, A., Al-Asmakh, M., Abdallah, A. M. (2024). Facilitating inclusive education: Assessing faculty awareness and attitudes towards students with special educational needs at Qatar University, 10(10).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31076

8) Aslan, A., & Shiong, P. K. (2023). Learning in the Digital Age Full of Hedonistic Cultural Values Among Elementary School Students. Bulletin of Pedagogical Research, 3(2), 94. https://doi.org/10.51278/bpr.v3i2.515

9) Baharun, H., & Awwaliyah, R. (2018). Pendidikan inklusi bagi anak berkebutuhan khusus dalam perspektif epistemologi Islam. Modeling: Jurnal Program Studi PGMI, 5(1), 57-71.

https://jurnal.stitnualhikmah.ac.id/index.php/modeling/article/view/209

10) Bandura, A. (1977a). Social learning theory. Prentice Hall.

11) Bandura, A. (1977b). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84(2), 191-215.

12) Berente, N., Gu, B., Recker, J., & Santhanam, R. (2024). The transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence for Education. Networked Learning Conference, 45(3) 1433-1450. https://journals.aau.dk/index.php/nlc/article/view/8077

13) Billingsley, B. S., Bettini, E. A., & Williams, T. O. (2019). Teacher Racial/Ethnic Diversity: Distribution of Special and General Educators of Color Across Schools. Remedial and Special Education, 40(4), 199-212.

https://doi.org/10.1177/0741932517733047

14) Byrne, B. M. (1996). Academic self-concept: Its structure, measurement, and relation to academic achievement. In B. A. Bracken (Ed.), Handbook of self-concept: Developmental, social, and clinical considerations (pp. 287-316), Wiley.

15) Calsyn, R. J., & Kenny, D. A. (1977). Self-concept of ability and perceived evaluation of others: Cause or effect of academic achievement? Journal of Educational Psychology, 69(2), 136-145. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0663.69.2.136

16) Chambers, D. (2020). Assistive Technology Supporting Inclusive Education: Existing and Emerging Trends. Chambers, D. (Ed.) Assistive Technology to Support Inclusive Education (International Perspectives on Inclusive Education, Vol. 14), Emerald Publishing Limited, Bingley, pp. 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-363620200000014001

17) Chapman, C., & Ainscow, M. (2019). Using research to promote equity within education systems: Possibilities and barriers. British Educational Research Journal, 2019, 45, 899–917. https://doi.org/10.1002/berj.3544

18) Choi, J. H., Meisenheimer, J. M., McCart, A. B., & Sailor, W. (2017). Improving Learning for All Students Through Equity-Based Inclusive Reform Practices: Effectiveness of a Fully Integrated Schoolwide Model on Student Reading and Math Achievement. Remedial and Special Education, 38(1), 28-41. https://doi.org/10.1177/0741932516644054

19) Chauhan, S. (2017). A meta-analysis of the impact of technology on learning effectiveness of elementary students. Computers & Education, 105, 14-30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2016.11.005

20) Columbia Center for Teaching and Learning (2021). Designing an Inclusive Syllabus. Columbia University.

https://ctl.columbia.edu/resources-and-technology/resources/designing-inclusive-syllabus/

21) Corbett, T., Dumareq, C., Tommasini, J. (2021). Inclusive practices in educational institutions. Journal of Special Education, 1(6), 2-6.

22) Dalton, E. M. (2017). Universal Design for Learning: Guiding Principles to reduce barriers to Digital & Media Literacy Competence. Journal of Media Literacy Education, 9(2), 17–29. https://doi.org/10.23860/jmle-2019-09-02-02

23) Dignath, C., Rimm-Kaufman, S., van Ewijk, R., & Kunter, M. (2022). Teachers’ beliefs about inclusive education and insights on what contributes to those beliefs: a meta-analytical study. Educational Psychology Review, 34(4), 2609-2660

24) Diputra, K. S., Tristiantari, N. D., Jayanta, I. L. N. (2020). Gerakan Literasi Digital Bagi Guru-Guru Sekolah Dasar. Journal of Character Education Society, 3(1).

25) Djafri, N. Korlefura, & Mustopa. (2024). Inclusive Education and Local Wisdom: Creating a Friendly Learning Environment for Children with Special Needs Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan dan Kearifan Lokal (JIPKL), 4(2).

26) Donnellan, M. B., Trzesniewski, K. H., & Robins, R. W. (2011). Self-esteem: Enduring issues and controversies. In T. Chamorro-Premuzic, S. von Stumm, & A. Furnham (Eds.), The Wiley-Blackwell handbook of individual differences, 718–746. Wiley-Blackwell. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781444343120.ch28

27) Durgungoz, F. C., & Durgungoz, A. (2021). Exploring the use of touchscreen devices for children with special educational needs and disabilities: Digital vs traditional. European Journal of Special Education Research, 7(1).

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejse.v7i1.3612

28) Eggen, P., & Kauchak, D. (2019). Educational psychology: Windows on classrooms (9th ed.). Pearson Education.

29) Ercikan, L., McCreith, T., & Lapointe, V. (2005). Factors associated with mathematics achievement and participation in advanced mathematics courses: An examination of gender differences from an international perspective. School Science and Mathematics, 105(1), 5-14. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1949-8594.2005.tb18031.x

30) Fhon, J. R. S., Caire, M. A., Júnior, J. A. V. M., & Rodrigues, R. A. (2016). Estilo de vida asociado a autoestima y variables demográficas en estudiantes de enfermería. Revista científica de Ciencias de la Salud, 9(2).

31) Fives, H., & Buehl, M. M. (2016). Teachers’ Beliefs, in the Context of Policy Reform. Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 3(1), 114-121. https://doi.org/10.1177/2372732215623554

32) Fox, R. A., Leif, E. S., Moore, D. W. Furlonger, B., Anderson, A., & Sharma, U. (2022). A Systematic Review of the Facilitators and Barriers to the Sustained Implementation of School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. Education and Treatment of Children, 45, 105-126. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43494-021-00056-0

33) Francis, P., Broughan, C., Foster, C., & Wilson, C. (2020). Thinking critically about learning analytics, student outcomes, and equity of attainment. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 45(6), 811-821.

https://doi.org/10.1080/02602938.2019.1691975

34) Fuentes, M. A., Zelaya, D. G., Madsen, J. W. (2021). Rethinking the Course Syllabus: Considerations for Promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Teaching of Psychology, 48(1), 69–79. https://doi.org/10.1177/0098628320959979

35) Galloway, M. K., & Ishimaru, A. M. (2020). Leading Equity Teams: The Role of Formal Leaders in Building Organizational Capacity for Equity. Journal of Education for Students Placed at Risk (JESPAR), 25(2), 107-125.

https://doi.org/10.1080/10824669.2019.1699413

36) Germano, W., Nicholls, K. (2020). Syllabus: The remarkable, unremarkable document that changes everything. Princeton University Press.

37) Gregory, J. (2018). Not my responsibility: The impact of separate special education systems on educators’ attitudes toward inclusion. Educational Policy Analysis and Strategic Research, 13(1), 127-148.

38) Guna, B. W. K., Yuwantiningrum, S. E., Firmansyah, S, M. D. A., & Aslan. (2024). Building Morality and Ethics Through Islamic Religious Education in Schools. IJGIE International Journal of Graduate of Islamic Education, 5(1).

https://doi.org/10.37567/ijgie.v5i1.2685

39) Halawa, Y., Salmi, H., & Zetmin. (2024). Inclusive Education Strategies in Improving Access and Quality of Learning for Students with Special Needs. Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Dan Kearifan Lokal, 4(3), 174-189.

https://jipkl.com/index.php/JIPKL/article/view/117

40) Hairiyanto, Sartika, E., Fransiska, F. W., & Aslan. (2024). Understanding the students’ English learning achievement and home environment support during school closure to respond to the pandemic at private madrasah tsanawiyah at-takwa sambas. International Journal of Teaching and Learning, 2(4).

41) Hooijer, E., Merwe, M. V. D., Fourie, J. (2021). Symbolic Representations as Teachers Reflect on Inclusive Education in South Africa. African Journal of Teacher Education, 10(1), 127–152. https://doi.org/10.21083/ajote.v10i1.6549

42) Ibda H., Wijanarko A. G, Hilmi, M. N., Mabruroh, S. S, Anzakh, A., Fadhilah, T. D. (2024). Inclusive education based on gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) in elementary school. Pegem Journal of Education and Instruction, 14(3), 276-286

43) Irby, D. J., Meyers, C. V., & Salisbury, J. D. (2020). Improving Schools by Strategically Connecting Equity Leadership and Organizational Improvement Perspectives: Introduction to Special Issue. Journal of Education for Students Placed at Risk (JESPAR), 25(2), 101-106. https://doi.org/10.1080/10824669.2019.1704628

44) Ismailov, M., Chiu, T. K. F. (2022). Catering to inclusion and diversity with Universal Design for Learning in asynchronous online education: A self-determination theory perspective. Frontiers in Psychology, 13.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.819884

45) Iswadi, Aslan, & Sunantri, S. (2022). Iintegrasi kurikulum 2013 dan pondok pesantren di sekolah menengah pertama swasta islam terpadu al-furqon tebas. Jurnal Studi Islam Lintas Negara Journal of Cross-Border Islamic Studies, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.37567/cbjis.v4i2.1417

46) Jansen, M., Scherer, R., Schroeders, U. (2015). Students' self-concept and self-efficacy in the sciences: Differential relations to antecedents and educational outcomes, Contemporary Educational Psychology, 41, 13-24.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2014.11.002

47) Jurado de los Santos, P., Moreno-Guerrero, A. J., Marín-Marín, J. A., Soler Costa, R. (2020). The Term Equity in Education: A Literature Review with Scientific Mapping in Web of Science. International Journal Environmental Research and Public Health, 17, 3526. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17103526

48) Kelly, K. (2014). Fostering inclusion with Universal Design for Learning. Association of Amercian Colleges & Universities, 17(4), 3-5.

49) Kinloch, V., Burkhard, T., & Graham, D. (2020). Storying youth lives: centering equity in teaching and teacher education. International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, 33(1), 66-79. https://doi.org/10.1080/09518398.2019.1678779

50) Layachi, A., & Pitchford, N. J. (2024). Formative Evaluation of an Interactive Personalised Learning Technology to Inform Equitable Access and Inclusive Education for Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Technology, Knowledge and Learning. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10758-024-09739-0

51) Lomellini, A., Lowenthal, P. R., Snelson, C., Trespalacios, J. (2023). Higher Education Leaders’ Perspectives of Accessible and Inclusive Online Learning. https://doi.org/10.1080/01587919.2022.2141608

52) Makoelle, T.M. (2019). Teacher Empathy: A Prerequisite for an Inclusive Classroom. In: Peters, M. (eds) Encyclopedia of Teacher Education. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-1179-6_43-1

53) Marsh, H. W., Trautwein, U., Lüdtke, O., Köller, O., & Baumert, J. (2005). Academic self-concept, interest, grades, and standardized test scores: Reciprocal effects models of causal ordering. Child Development, 76(2), 397-416.

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2005.00853.x

54) Marsh, H. W., Kuyper, H., Morin, A. J. S., Parker, P. D., Seaton, M. (2014). Big-fish-little-pond social comparison and local dominance effects: Integrating new statistical models, methodology, design, theory and substantive implications, Learning and Instruction, 33, 50-66, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2014.04.002

55) McLinden, M., Douglas, G., Hewett, R., Cobb, R., Keil, S., Lynch, P., Roe, J., & Thistlethwaite, J. S. (2023). Promoting equitable access to education for children and young people with vision impairment: A route-map for a balanced curriculum. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003002321

56) McNicholl, A., Casey, H., Desmond, D., & Gallagher, P. (2021). The impact of assistive technology use for students with disabilities in higher education: A systematic review. Disability & Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 16(2), 130–143.

https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2019.1642395

57) Moore, C. S., Brantmeir, E., Brocheild, A. (2017). Inclusion by design: Tool helps faculty examine their teaching practice. Faculty Focus: Higher Education Teaching Strategies. Magna Publications.

58) Munisa, M., Putri, U. N., Sari, W. V., & Fitri, N. A. (2024). Digital Literacy Based on Local Wisdom in Inclusive Education. Pionir Jurnal Pendidikanti, 12(1). http://dx.doi.org/10.22373/pjp.v13i1.22058

59) Mutuota, R. (2024). Neoliberalism and the barriers in inclusive education. South African Journal of Education, 44(1).

https://doi.org/10.15700/saje.v44n1a2319

60) Navarro-Mateu, D., Franco-Ochoa, J., Valero-Moreno, S., Prado-Gascó, V. (2019). To Be or Not to Be an Inclusive Teacher: Are Empathy and Social Dominance Relevant Factors to Positive Attitudes towards Inclusive Education? PLoS ONE.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0225993

61) Nguyen, A., Ngo, H. N., Hong, Y., Dang, B., & Nguyen, B. P. T. (2023). Ethical principles for artificial intelligence in education. Education and Information Technologies, 28, 28(4), 4221-424. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11316-w

62) Nurdiana, R., Effendi, M. N., Ningsih, K. P., Abda, M. I., & Aslan, A. (2023). Collaborative partnerships for digital education to improve students’ learning achievement at the institute of islamic religion of sultan Muhammad Syafiuddin sambas, Indonesia. International Journal of Teaching and Learning, 1(1).

63) Okech, J. B., Yuwono, I., & Abdu, W. J. (2021). Implementation of inclusive education practices for children with disabilities and other special needs in Uganda. Journal of Education and E-Learning Research, 8(1), 97-102.

https://doi.org/10.20448/journal.509.2021.81.97.102

64) Orth, U., & Robins, R. W. (2022). Is high self-esteem beneficial? Revisiting a classic question. American Psychologist, 77(1), 5-17. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000922

65) Outhwaite, L., & Van Herwegen, J. (2023). Educational apps and learning: Current evidence on design and evaluation. British Journal of Educational Technology. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13360.

66) Palenzuela-Luis, N., Duarte-Clíments, G., Gómez-Salgado, J., Rodríguez-Gómez, J. Á., & Sánchez-Gómez, M. B. (2022). Questionnaires Assessing Adolescents’ Self-Concept, Self-Perception, Physical Activity and Lifestyle: A Systematic Review. Children, 9(1), 91. https://doi.org/10.3390/children9010091

67) Perez-Felkner, L., Felkner, J., Nix, S., Magalhães, M. (2020). The puzzling relationship between international development and gender equity: The case of STEM postsecondary education in Cambodia. International Journal of Educational Development, 72(102102). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2019.102102

68) Philip, T. M., Souto-Manning, M., Anderson, L., Horn, I., J. Carter Andrews, D., Stillman, J., & Varghese, M. (2019). Making Justice Peripheral by Constructing Practice as “Core”: How the Increasing Prominence of Core Practices Challenges Teacher Education. Journal of Teacher Education, 70(3), 251-264. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022487118798324

69) Putranto, S. (2024). Evaluation of Inclusive Education in University: Gaps in Program Implementation. Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Dasar, Menengah dan Tinggi [JMP-DMT], 5(2), 209-217. https://doi.org/10.30596/jmp-dmt.v5i2.18942

70) Ratheeswari, K. (2018). Information Communication Technology in Education. Journal of Applied and Advanced Research. https://doi.org/10.21839/jaar.2018.v3is1.169

71) Sain, Z. H. (2024). Utilizing Artificial Intelligence in Education to Equip Students for the Challenges of the 21st Century. New Era International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Research. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11079969

72) Salas-Pilco, S. Z., Yang, Y., Zhang, Z. (2020). Student engagement in online learning in Latin American higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review. British Journal of Educational Technology, 53(3).

https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13190

73) Sarouphim, K. M., & Chartouny, M. (2017). Mathematics education in Lebanon: Gender differences in attitudes and achievement. Education Studies in Mathematics, 94(1), 55-68. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10649-016-9712-9

74) Selisko, T. J, Klopp, E., Eckert, C., Perels, F. (2024). Attitudes toward Inclusive Education from a Network Perspective. Education Sciences, 14, 319. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14030319

75) Shea, M., & Sandoval, J. (2019). Using historical and political understanding to design for equity in science education. Science Education, 104, 27-49. https://doi.org/10.1002/sce.21555

76) Simón, C., Barrios, Á., Gutiérrez, H., & Muñoz, Y. (2019). Equidad, educación inclusiva y educación para la justicia social. ¿Llevan todos los caminos a la misma meta? Revista Internacional de Educación para la Justicia Social, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.15366/riejs2019.8.2.001

77) Singal, Y. (2024). Implications of Philosophical Thinking on the Practice of Inclusive Education in a Social Context. Edunity Social and Educational Studies, 3(3), 231-238. https://doi.org/10.57096/edunity.v3i3.231

78) Sitopu, J. W., Khairani, M., Roza, M., Judijanto, L., & Aslan, A. (2024). The importance of integrating Mathematical literacy in the primary education curriculum: a literature review. International Journal of Teaching and Learning, 2(1).

79) Skaalvik, E. M., & Valås, H. (1999). Relations among achievement, self-concept and motivation in mathematics and language arts: A longitudinal study. Journal of Experimental Education, 67(2), 135–149.

https://doi.org/10.1080/00220979909598349

80) Slee, R., Johnson, B., Sullivan, A. M., & Baak, M. (2019). What is inclusive education? Key Issues Paper 6 Refugee Students Resilience Study. https://doi.org/10.25954/5d4a5c7d3a5cb

81) Swann, W. B., Jr., Chang-Schneider, C., & Larsen McClarty, K. (2007). Do people’s self-views matter? Self-concept and self-esteem in everyday life. American Psychologist, 62, 84-94. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.62.2.84

82) Syahrin, S. & Akmal, N. (2024). Navigating the Artificial Intelligence Frontier: Perceptions of Instructors, Students, and Administrative Staff on the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Education in the Sultanate of Oman. Arab World English Journal. https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/ChatGPT.4

83) Teng, Y., & Wang, X. (2021). The effect of two educational technology tools on student engagement in Chinese EFL courses. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-021-00263-0

84) Tubagus, M., Haerudin, H., Fathurohman, A., Adiyono, A., & Aslan, A. (2023). The impact of technology on Islamic Pesantren education and the learning outcomes of Santri: new trends and possibilities. Indonesian Journal of Education (INJOE), 3(3).

85) Tus, J. (2020). Self–concept, self–esteem, self–efficacy and academic performance of the senior high school students. International Journal of Research Culture Society, 4(10), 45-59.

86) United Nations. (2017). Toolkit on disability for Africa. Inclusive Education.

https://www.un.org/esa/socdev/documents/disability/Toolkit/Inclusive-Education.pdf

87) Utina, S. S., Chusniyah, T., Inseachiangmai, J., Zahra, G. A., & Pambudi, K. S. (2024). A comparative study of artificial intelligence in education psychology: the cases of Indonesia and Thailand. Bulletin of Social Informatics Theory and Application, 8(1), 70–85. https://doi.org/10.31763/businta.v8i1.663

88) Valverde-Berrocoso, J., Acevedo-Borrega, J., & Cerezo-Pizarro, M. (2022). Educational Technology and student performance: A systematic review. Frontiers in Education, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2022.916502

89) Wahyuni, T., Sowiyah, & Hariri, H. (2021). Implementation of Inclusive Education in Indonesian Regular School. Social Science Studies, 1(2), 65–77. https://doi.org/10.47153/sss12.1932021

90) Yahaya, A. (2009). The Relationship of Self-Concept and Communication Skills towards Academic Performance among Secondary School Students in Johor Bahru. International Journal of Psychological Studies, 1(2), pp. 25-34.

http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ijps/article/view/3931/3796

91) Yekti, C. M., Ratminingsih, N. M., & Dewi, K. S. (2019). The Implementation of Inclusive Education by English Teachers to Teach Slow Learners at SMK Negeri 3 Singaraja. Journal of Psychology and Instruction, 3(1), 27-36.

https://doi.org/10.23887/jpai.v3i1.20894

92) Zawawi, M. I., Zaini, Z. A. H., & Fauzi, I. (2024). Principal Leadership Transformation: Improving Teacher Readiness for Inclusive Education in Societi 5.0 Era. LINGUA: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, Dan Pengajarannya, 21(1), 65-74.

https://doi.org/10.30957/lingua.v21i1.926