Abstract
To date, research on the importance of effective and appropriate technology integration to improve teaching and learning in the 21st century classroom, and the preparation of future educators for effective technology integration through their teacher preparation programs, has been focused primarily on those pursuing careers teaching the general education population. However, after reviewing the literature, researchers appear to have neglected to acknowledge the needs of special education TCs and the manner in which educational technology is integrated for students with disabilities beyond that which is noted with assistive technology. The focus of the case study was to investigate special education teacher candidates’ perceptions of preparedness to integrate technology to support the teaching and learning of students with disabilities. The study is guided by the Technological, Pedagogical, Content Knowledge (TPACK) model developed by Mishra and Koehler (2006). Three forms of instrumentation were used: curriculum analysis, survey, and semi-structured interviews. The results of this study suggest special education majors’ perceived varied levels of preparedness, strengths, and weaknesses in integrating technology in the teaching and learning of students with disabilities. Themes of personal meaning of technology integration, personal challenges in effective technology integration, perceptions of needs for better preparation in technology integration, and a focus on pedagogical knowledge emerged throughout the semi-structured interviews. The primary implication for teacher educators is the need to consider how to ensure that topics covered in EME 2040 are also integrated into upper division curriculum, especially in methods courses, where technology integration can transform content and pedagogy.