A Series of Happenstances: How the Pandemic Created Opportunities with Technology

The Happenstance Learning Theory (HLT) has primarily been used in career counseling fields, predominantly in helping clients transition through different happenstances in life to find a career path. However, the COVID-19 pandemic showed that our nation's teachers also developed the skills that are considered the pillars of HLT, as they made the transition from teaching traditionally one day to remote learning the next. This study explored how 46 special educators adapted their teaching methods to best address the needs of their students despite challenging circumstances. This study also suggests the application of the Happenstance Learning Theory in understanding and explaining how teachers seemingly make changes "in the moment”. © 2022 by the authors.

Assistive Technology/Augmentative & Alternative Communication Implementation: School to Home during COVID-19

This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study sought to describe the implementation process of AT/AAC from school to home during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the extent to which AT/AAC was used, how AT/AAC was used, and what, if any, support the school systems provided. A researcher-designed survey was completed by 104 special educators and 45 parents. Seventeen follow-up interviews were conducted with educators and parent participants. Results of the study demonstrated the importance of clear communication, explicit expectations and procedures for AT/AAC use, and collaboration among stakeholders if AT/AAC implementation is to be as effective as possible. © ATIA 2022.