Saudi parents’ perspectives on the use of touch screen tablets for children with learning disabilities

ABSTRACT

The current research is an exploratory, qualitative study of Saudi parents’ perspectives on the use of touch screen tablets (i.e. iPads) to enhance learning outcomes for children with learning disabilities (LDs), ages 6–8 years. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 Saudi parents whose children with LDs used iPads for learning purposes. The results suggest that Saudi parents perceive this technology positively. However, the results also indicate that parents need guidance to support their child’s use of this technology. Finally, the current study suggests the value of research investigating a broader array of parental perceptions of digital technology, as educators and policymakers incorporate digital technology into mainstream and LD education.

KEYWORDS:

• Touch screen tablets
• learning disabilities
• parental perceptions
• Saudi Arabia
• early childhood education

Acknowledgements

The authors, therefore, acknowledge with thanks DSR for technical and financial support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This project was funded by the Deanship of Scientific Research (DSR) at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, under [grant number: PH: 3-324-1442].

Notes on contributors

Mohaned G. Abed

Mohaned G. Abed is a Professor in the college Education Graduate Studies at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Todd K. Shackelford

Todd K. Shackelford is a Distinguished Professor and Chair of Psychology at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, USA.