Practitioners’ Perceptions of Their Knowledge, Skills and Competencies in Online Teaching of Students with and without Disabilities

Authors

  • Diana L. Greer, Ph.D. (Author) University of Kansas image/svg+xml
    Diana Greer, Ph.D., is an Assistant Research Professor in the Center for Research on Learning and the Project Director of the Center on Online Learning and Students with Disabilities at the University of Kansas. Her research interests lay in alignment, development, and evaluation of online learning resources for teachers, students, and parents.
  • Sean J. Smith, Ph.D. (Author) University of Kansas
    Sean J. Smith, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas and researcher in the Center for Research on Learning. His current research interests include the development, research, and implementation of technology innovations specific to struggling learners and those with disabilities.
  • James D. Basham, Ph.D. (Author) University of Kansas
    James D. Basham, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas. His current research interests include the implementation of Universal Design for Learning in modern learning environments.
https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.246
The need for skilled teachers in online learning environments is presently evident and projected to grow into the future. A survey of education practitioners (N = 127) about their knowledge and competencies in online teaching of students with and without disabilities found that they generally recognized the importance of online learning and the specialized competencies it requires. However they lacked confidence in both themselves and their colleagues to effectively use online learning environments in their teaching, and were particularly unprepared to teach students with disabilities. Although many indicated that they currently taught online or blended courses, they had low awareness of online learning platforms, which hold promise for individualizing education for students with and without disabilities. A call is issued to address this lack of knowledge, skill, and competency in online instruction among current and future educators.

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There are 28 references in total.
Greer, D. L., Smith, S. J., & Basham, J. D. (2014). Practitioners’ Perceptions of Their Knowledge, Skills and Competencies in Online Teaching of Students with and without Disabilities. Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals, 9(2), 150-165. https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.246

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  • Article Type Articles
  • Submitted May 10, 2014
  • Published June 15, 2014
  • Issue Spring/Summer 2014
  • Section Articles
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