Casestudy of teaching methods for students with learning difficulties supported byinformation and communication technology

The development of information and communication technology has significantly changed the field of education and is used daily in various forms of teaching, especially to adapt educational processes for students with special learning difficulties. This paper reveals the results of a case study which involved teachers employed in two elementary schools in Croatia, and deals with the application of information and communication technology in work with students with specific learning difficulties. The focus of this research was to investigate the relationship between four research variables: a) the perceived level of usefulness of utilizing ICT in the context of working with students with specific learning difficulties, b) the frequency of use of such tools, c) implementation of teaching methods and d) the need for additional ICT training for work with students with specific learning difficulties. A measuring instrument was developed, and an online survey was used as the main method of data collection. In total, 59 teachers (N=59) completed the survey. This case study reveals a statistically significant yet weak correlation between the perceived usefulness of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and three key factors: a) implementation of teaching methods, b) frequency of ICT use and c) ICT training. The multiple regression analysis has shown that the implementation of teaching methods is a statistically significant predictor for the dependent variable in the model. Most elementary school teachers involved in this case study seldom use ICT tools like Modmath, OmoType or OmoReader. In addition, the teachers mentioned various challenges in connection with the use of ICT in the classroom. Despite the statistically significant correlation, the conclusion of this case study highlights the need for more ICT training programs, institutional technical support and activities to improve teachers’ motivation in such a context.