Resources

Training to Improve Instruction and Outcomes for Children With Cortical Visual Impairment
Abstract Introduction: This study investigated a training regimen for teachers of children with visual impairments (TVIs) who need to assess, plan instruction for, and teach students with cortical visual impairment (CVI), as well as the effect of these strategies on the visual behaviors of these students. Method: TVIs learned CVI content knowledge and knowledge of a specific app-based system called CViConnect through a group workshop, seven asynchronous modules, and a year of mentorship from a TVI certified in CVI. When using the CViConnect system on iPads, data are captured during the instructional session, and the looking and touching behaviors of students are automatically saved to a remote server. Results: TVIs with and without specific training used Phase I activities the most, but untrained TVIs used Phase II and III activities more than trained TVIs. Sessions conducted by trained TVIs averaged three times longer than those done by untrained TVIs. Students taught by TVIs without specific training touched items that were not meant to be selected (i.e., sprites and backgrounds) much more than students with trained TVIs, but students taught by trained TVIs looked at the screen more often—M=0.08 looks/s versus M=0.07 looks/s, t(3317)=2.59, p= .005, d=0.09—had longer sustained looks—M=34.08 s versus M=6.67 s, t(3317)=10.11, p < .001, d=0.35—and spent more time looking at the screen than students with untrained TVIs: M =9.51 s versus M=3.21 s, t(3317)=4.12, p < .001, d=0.14. Discussion: Training led TVIs to be able to identify appropriate activities for their students with CVI, thus encouraging the children to use looking behaviors instead of becoming visually overwhelmed and randomly tapping on the screen. Implications for Practitioners: These data seem to show that the training regimen in this project leads TVIs to choose activities of an appropriate level for their students with CVI and to use the CViConnect system to increase looking behaviors in their students
Understanding CVI
The Stepping Up Technology OSEP Research grant helps viewers understand how to identify learners with CVI.
Evidence-Based Technology Tools to Support Diverse Learners, Educators, and Service Providers Across Instructional Settings
Abstract Technology can improve learning outcomes for students with and without disabilities and enhance instructional activities implemented by educators and service providers across diverse settings. The Stepping-Up Technology Implementation funding has been established by the Office of Special Education Programs in the U.S. Department of Education. The aim of this funding is to promote the development, demonstration, and integration of the evidence-based technology tools and approaches into K-12 classrooms and early childhood settings. It also supports educators, service providers, and early childhood providers in improving learning outcomes. All Stepping-Up technologies are designed, implemented, refined, and tested through the iterative research and development cycles based on data from children, students, and youth with and without disabilities as well as educators, service providers, and families. This article presents an overview of 28 readily available technology-based interventions organized into five categories: Literacy; Math, Science, and Coding; Transitions and Career Readiness; Behavior and Social Skills; Professional Development and Coaching. In addition, 10 actionable suggestions for seamless implementation of technology tools and approaches are provided. Keywords: technology tools and/or approaches; evidence-based practices; assistive, accessible, and instructional technology; Universal Design for Learning