Training a School Team to Integrate Technology Meaningfully into the Curriculum: Effects on Student Participation

The effects of training a school team in the use of the Participation Assessment Framework and barrier-specific interventions (including but not limited to technology applications) on the participation of a student during literacy and math activities were evaluated using a multiple probe design across instructional formats. Participants included a multi-disciplinary school team, and a 10-year old student with cerebral palsy and no functional speech supported by this team. Training consisted of a combination of adult learning strategies including workshops, modeling, practice in simulated and real settings, feedback, and coaching during actual practice. The results of this preliminary study provide suggestive evidence that this systematic training was not only effective in increasing participation, but also is perceived as useful and effective by the training recipients. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for future research.