Share Paper: Simulating Students with Learning Disabilities in Virtual Classrooms: A Validation Study

  1. Sita Periathiruvadi, University of North Texas, United States
  2. Tandra Tyler-Wood, University of North Texas, United States
  3. Gerald Knezek, University of North Texas, United States
  4. Rhonda Christensen, University of North Texas, United States
Monday, March 5 10:15 AM-11:15 AM George Bonnell

Abstract: This study explores the validity of using a simulation as a tool to train future teachers to work with a student with a learning disability in an inclusion classroom. Often, it is difficult to provide experience for pre-service teachers to work with students with learning disabilities. This study seeks to determine if a simulation can accurately depict a classroom experience that a future teacher might encounter in today’s inclusion classroom. Specifically, the purpose is to validate the use of simSchool, a web-based classroom simulation program for training pre-service and in-service teachers to teach students with special needs. An actual student ...