Laura's.mod5

=**Significance of the Study**: =

Gap:
====Several gaps were found in the published research regarding interactive technology use and students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Most of the research revolved around the use of video to increase social skill acquisition, including video modeling and video priming. There is little research on evidence-based practices with interactive technologies as used to increase academic skills for students with ASD. ==== ==== In all studies reviewed sample sizes were smaller than ten, making generalization of information to other students with ASD difficult. Further, there is a tremendous diversity in communication and cognitive abilities for students with ASD, but the research does not examine effects of interactive technologies on all populations of students on the spectrum. ====

Educational Technology:
====As a PhD in Special Education major it is more appropriate that my research impact students with special needs, however, my research will also add to the body of knowledge in Educational Technology. My research will provide information for educators and policy makers on the kinds of instructional technology that have the greatest impact on students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. After my dissertation, I would also like to study scaffolding with technology during standardized testing, and the impact of technology on students with other disabilities. ====


My goal in research is to determine what technologies most impact student access to instruction and instructional materials. The increase in access could reduce barriers for students who may struggle with gaining new concepts due to academic, cognitive, or social barriers in how they learn; these barriers may have prevented them from participating in the general education curriculum, further limiting their access to information and their non-special education peers. A lack of successful inclusion can negatively impact student socialization, test scores, and knowledge base. A positive social change that could come from my research would be to increase access and education rights for students with disabilities.

=**Dissemination of Research:** =

Journals:
====I would like to be published in ISTE's Learning and Leading with Technology,, Journal of Research on Technology in Education, as well as in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. Learning and Leading is not peer-reviewed, but the other two journals are,all three journals are recognized as leading resources by educators. My goal would be to be published in both peer reviewed and not peer reviewed journals, so I could reach the broadest audience possible. ====

Professional Conferences:
====I will be presenting at Closing the Gap in Minnesota this fall on my district's work in the area of differentiated instruction and technology, and I really hope to present there again in the future. I would also like to present at the National Education Computing Conference as well as the Council for Exceptional Children. I think all three conferences would be important to present at because they bring together educators who are interested in using technology to support learning for all students. ====