The Internet and the education of students with disabilities

Abstract

The Internet is being used increasingly as an instructional tool at all educational levels and in most academic disciplines. Students can access exciting instructional materials from laboratories, monitor ongoing scientific experiments and events, and exchange data and ideas with other students from around the world. Students with disabilities can benefit from the use of the Internet in schools when adaptive computer technology is available and the materials being accessed and exchanged are accessible. Applications of the Internet for the education of students with disabilities that deserve special attention include: (i) collaborative learning; (ii) independent access to information and educational resources; (iii) mentoring and peer support; (iv) use of specially dedicated Web sites; (v) on-line distance education; and (vi) interaction in virtual educational environments and activities.