Research Article | Open Access
Criteria for Selecting Effective Electronic Applications for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder from a Teacher's Perspective in Saudi Arabia
Tasnim S. Alugmani, Nizar H. Bagadood
Pages: 296-306
Abstract
This study identifies the criteria for selecting effective electronic applications for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In addition, it establishes the views of teachers in Saudi Arabia concerning the issues associated with the employment of these applications during lessons. The study employed the qualitative approach, with data collected by means of semi-structured interviews with nine teachers (male and female) of students with ASD, and thematic analysis utilised to analyse the data. The study revealed that the teachers generally held a positive view of electronic applications for use with students with ASD. The selection criteria for the applications under consideration consisted of: firstly, their acknowledgement of diversity; secondly, that they supported the educational process; thirdly, that they took individual differences into account; and fourthly, their level of acceptance by students. In addition, the research identified a number of issues associated with electronic applications, including students with ASD and their families and teachers. This study recommends that the Saudi Ministry of Education should develop factsheets focusing on effective educational applications for students with ASD, in addition to offering workshops and training for both families and teachers. Moreover, it encourages designers to create electronic applications capable of matching the characteristics of students with ASD, alongside supporting the Arabic language, and serving a number of further areas.
Keywords
autism spectrum disorder, electronic applications, teachers.