3.+Research+Methodology

**Rationale**
In my research study, I am planning to explore and analyze beneficial uses of technology as it relates to enhancing the learning and education of the middle school special education student with a focus on those student identified LD (Learning Disabled). The examples that I will consider must have results that have been successfully utilized by fellow educators and suggest significant improved student success over more traditional learning approaches.

Chapter four in the text book emphasizes the importance of clearly identifying the participants of any study. (Johnson, B., & Christensen, L., 2008) This is extremely important for my research topic since many technologies may prove effective for students with mild learning disabilities, yet students that are more profoundly challenged may not respond as well. The participants that will be the focus of my study are the middle school special education instructors who teach learning disabled (LD) students.

Much research has been done in the past concerning the disabled student and how assistive technology can help to overcome learning obstacles. This will not be my sole focus. I also do not wish to consider the more severely mentally challenged students as they often are unfamiliar on a daily basis of technology and do not have the basic skills for its implementation in a learning setting. The LD child is often bored with education from many prior experiences of failure in the classroom setting, and subsequently the possibilities for revitalizing their attitudes toward learning with “new and exciting” technological strategies are a real possibility.

At the conclusion of my research, if I have identified three distinct and feasible technologies that could be incorporated into the classes that I teach, then this research project will have been more than worthwhile.