Digital inclusion in Spanish mainstream and special schools: Teachers' perceptions of Internet use by students with intellectual disabilities

Accessible summary: Students with intellectual disabilities in mainstream and special schools can benefit from information and communication technologies, including the Internet.We asked teachers about the benefits, risks and safety of online activities for students with intellectual disabilities.Teachers perceive that online activities are not safe enough for this group.Teachers in special and mainstream schools hold different perceptions.Teacher training is necessary to promote digital inclusion. Background: Although there is research‐based evidence on the educational potential of information and communication technologies as teaching and learning resources for schools, studies focused on the real benefits and risks associated with online activities of students with intellectual disabilities are still scarce. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare teachers' perspectives on this topic in relation to a school setting (mainstream and special schools), teaching specialty (general and special educators) and teaching level (primary and secondary education). Methods: A cross‐sectional survey design was conducted in which a sample of 208 general and special education teachers from mainstream and special schools participated. Participants had to respond to a questionnaire that included questions related to the opportunities and risks of the Internet and online safety. Findings: Teachers perceive that the Internet is unsafe for students with intellectual disabilities and it entails more risks than benefits for these students. Such perceptions may determine the educational intervention, especially when the Internet has shown to be crucial during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Differences were found regarding school setting, teaching specialty and teaching level. The data reflect a lack of consensus regarding the potential benefit of digital inclusion for students with intellectual disabilities, based on the perception that the online environment is not safe for this population. Conclusion: There is a need to train teachers on how to achieve the maximum educational potential of the Internet for these students, as well as to learn to implement strategies to prevent and manage online risks.

Digital inclusion in spanish mainstream and special schools: Teachers' perceptions of internet use by students with intellectual disabilities

Background Although there is research-based evidence on the educational potential of information and communication technologies as teaching and learning resources for schools, studies focused on the real benefits and risks associated with online activities of students with intellectual disabilities are still scarce. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare teachers' perspectives on this topic in relation to a school setting (mainstream and special schools), teaching specialty (general and special educators) and teaching level (primary and secondary education). Methods A cross-sectional survey design was conducted in which a sample of 208 general and special education teachers from mainstream and special schools participated. Participants had to respond to a questionnaire that included questions related to the opportunities and risks of the Internet and online safety. Findings Teachers perceive that the Internet is unsafe for students with intellectual disabilities and it entails more risks than benefits for these students. Such perceptions may determine the educational intervention, especially when the Internet has shown to be crucial during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Differences were found regarding school setting, teaching specialty and teaching level. The data reflect a lack of consensus regarding the potential benefit of digital inclusion for students with intellectual disabilities, based on the perception that the online environment is not safe for this population. Conclusion There is a need to train teachers on how to achieve the maximum educational potential of the Internet for these students, as well as to learn to implement strategies to prevent and manage online risks. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Digital inclusion in Spanish mainstream and special schools: Teachers' perceptions of Internet use by students with intellectual disabilities

Background Methods Findings Conclusion Although there is research‐based evidence on the educational potential of information and communication technologies as teaching and learning resources for schools, studies focused on the real benefits and risks associated with online activities of students with intellectual disabilities are still scarce. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare teachers' perspectives on this topic in relation to a school setting (mainstream and special schools), teaching specialty (general and special educators) and teaching level (primary and secondary education).A cross‐sectional survey design was conducted in which a sample of 208 general and special education teachers from mainstream and special schools participated. Participants had to respond to a questionnaire that included questions related to the opportunities and risks of the Internet and online safety.Teachers perceive that the Internet is unsafe for students with intellectual disabilities and it entails more risks than benefits for these students. Such perceptions may determine the educational intervention, especially when the Internet has shown to be crucial during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Differences were found regarding school setting, teaching specialty and teaching level. The data reflect a lack of consensus regarding the potential benefit of digital inclusion for students with intellectual disabilities, based on the perception that the online environment is not safe for this population.There is a need to train teachers on how to achieve the maximum educational potential of the Internet for these students, as well as to learn to implement strategies to prevent and manage online risks. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of British Journal of Learning Disabilities is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

Digital inclusion and participation of people with intellectual disabilities during COVID-19: A rapid review and international bricolage

The COVID-19 pandemic has meant a rapid transfer of everyday activities to the online world. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have become more embedded than ever in people's lives. This investigation addresses how this change has affected the lives of people with intellectual disabilities (ID). A two-step design was used. A rapid review was conducted on empirical studies published between January 2019 and June 2021. Search terms related to ID, ICT use and COVID-19. A qualitative international bricolage was also conducted corresponding to author nationalities. Data gathered from the review and bricolage were analysed separately using thematic analysis and relationally synthesised. Digital solutions to provide access to COVID-19 information and guidance seemed inadequate but were seldom empirically studied. Digital poverty, literacy and exclusion remain significant issues for people with ID internationally. People and their carers experienced reduced and removed service provision, loneliness and impoverished daily lives during the pandemic;amelioration of which was facilitated by digital solutions. One solution often used was videoconferencing. Prior experience of digital participation, adequate finances, connection, support and digital literacy mentoring for both people with ID and those providing services and support facilitated digital inclusion. Digital exclusion during COVID-19 was exacerbated by sociopolitical, structural, individual and support-related barriers. Although awareness of digital exclusion appears to have been raised, the extent to which this has led to action and change remains unclear. Despite digital exclusion and digital participation benefitting continuation of life, social and emotional well-being and autonomy, COVID-19 has not provided the impetus to eradicate digital poverty for people with ID. Governmental support, digital education, creativity and problem solving are required to enable people with ID the human right to be included in the digital world at this essential time and into the future.