Communication Technology for Students in Special Education and Gifted Programs

Joan E. Aitken, Park University

Joy Pedego Fairley, University of Missouri - Kansas City

Judith K. Carlson, Rockhurst University

            The purpose of this book is to provide ideas for enhancing education for students with exceptionalities. This book will be an edited volume of case studies about using communication technology for students who qualify for special education and gifted services. A case may focus on adapting to students with a specific exceptionality (e.g., ADHD, developmental delays, an emotional or behavior disorder, giftedness in a particular subject area) or use a broad approach. A double-blind  peer-review process will be used.

Submit electronically to: 

comtechspecial@gmail.com

Submit a single file with your proposal or manuscript, with no author identification on the manuscript or file name.

Style Manual: APA (American Psychological Association) style, 2010, 6^th edition.

Short Cases

            We seek short cases (about 500 words) relevant to any educational level (preschool through high school, higher education, life-long learning). These cases should have singular focus about a teaching strategy using communication technology or use of a particular computer program, for example, relating to students who are identified as eligible for special education or gifted and talented services. Short cases do not need every element required for a full case, but should be clearly designed to give specific help to teachers.

Full Cases (Chapters)

            We seek full length cases (2500-4000 words) relevant to any educational level (preschool through high school, higher education, life-long learning). For this category, we will consider original research, where the term “case” is interpreted broadly.  Each full-length case should contain the following elements.

            Title (No author identification on the manuscript or file name).

            Keywords.

Abstract.

Background on the history of the school or program and the types of services provided.

Setting the Stage about technology use.

Case Description of the project or experience.

Conclusions and Current Challenges Facing the Educators in the program.

References. Use APA style.

            Discussion Questions and Answers.

            Epilogue and Lessons Learned.

            List of Additional Sources.

Example Case Topics

            Communication technology has been a major force in serving students who have been identified as eligible for special education and gifted services. Topics of coverage and interest include (but are not limited to):

• Applications of Electronic Technology to Rural Gifted Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

• Assistive and Augmentive Communication

• Communication Technology and Positive Behavior Supports

• Communication Technology for Alternative Education

• Cyberbullying and Students with Exceptionalities

• Distance Learning for Gifted Students

• Enhancing Teacher Resiliency through Communication Technology

• Home Schooling through Technology

• Saving Educational Costs while Improving Learning through Communication Technology

• Serving Rural Programs in Special Education or Gifted Education through Technology

Important Dates

March 15, 2010: Proposal Submission Deadline (not required, but we will provide feedback about the appropriateness of your planned submission).

June 1, 2010: Full Chapter Submission Deadline

July 15, 2010: Notification of Acceptance and Review Results Returned

August 15, 2010: Revised Chapters Due

October 15, 2010: Final Chapter Submission with Publication Documents Due.