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Lessons learned: what the COVID-19 global pandemic has taught us about teaching, technology, and students with autism spectrum disorder

Jane Roitsch (Department of Communication Disorders and Special Education, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA)
Robert L. Moore (School of Teaching and Learning, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA)
Annemarie L. Horn (Department of Communication Disorders and Special Education, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA)

Journal of Enabling Technologies

ISSN: 2398-6263

Article publication date: 15 June 2021

Issue publication date: 28 June 2021

2451

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the abrupt transition from attending school face-to-face to participating in online learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as reported by a parent of a student with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Design/methodology/approach

A phone interview was conducted with the parent of a child with ASD. The semi-structured interview focused on how the child’s family was impacted when classes shifted to virtual from face-to-face learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

A total of four themes emerged from the interview. Three of these included adjustments to changes in routines and roles, instruction, and social interactions. A final theme involved the benefits and challenges that emerged following the transition to online learning for students with ASD. While we are in an unprecedented time with the COVID-19 global pandemic presenting understandable challenges, opportunities for and examples of effective virtual learning environments for students with ASD were reported in the parent interview and supported by the literature.

Practical implications

This research provides insight regarding the impact of COVID-19 and highlights elements that should be considered involving technology for students with ASD. Increased awareness regarding the benefits and contraindications of technology while teaching students with ASD can minimize the adverse effects and enhance the positive impact of technology in students with ASD.

Originality/value

This paper shares the experiences of one parent of a child with ASD and their experiences with technology and learning during COVID-19.

Keywords

Citation

Roitsch, J., Moore, R.L. and Horn, A.L. (2021), "Lessons learned: what the COVID-19 global pandemic has taught us about teaching, technology, and students with autism spectrum disorder", Journal of Enabling Technologies, Vol. 15 No. 2, pp. 108-116. https://doi.org/10.1108/JET-12-2020-0053

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited

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