Teacher training in inclusive digital skills in secondary education. Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

TL;DR

This paper discusses innovative teacher training methods in inclusive digital skills specifically designed for secondary education students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, emphasizing emerging technologies to foster inclusion and autonomy.

Contribution

It introduces a human-centered approach integrating emerging digital tools to enhance inclusion and support for students with ASD in secondary education.

Findings

Use of augmented and virtual reality improves social skills.

Emerging technologies foster autonomy and emotional regulation.

Teacher training enhances inclusive digital practices.

Abstract

In contemporary society, marked by rapid technological evolution, education faces the challenge and the opportunity of incorporating new digital tools that transform learning, making it more inclusive, flexible, and meaningful. This book aligns with this commitment to educational innovation and equity, focusing on a group that requires specialized and sensitive attention: students with Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD. Far from approaching technology from a merely instrumental perspective, this work proposes a profoundly human approach, where emerging technologies such as augmented and virtual reality, immersive environments, augmentative communication systems, mobile applications, and artificial intelligence become allies in fostering autonomy, emotional self-regulation, the development of social skills, and the genuine inclusion of students with ASD in educational settings. This volume is part of the R-D project entitled Teacher Training in Inclusive Digital Competencies to Support Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: CODITEA, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities-State Research Agency MICIU-AEI and the European Regional Development Fund ERDF-EU, under reference PID2022-138346OB-I00. The project aims, among other objectives, to raise awareness and train teachers, students, and families on the conscious, ethical, and effective use of technology to facilitate inclusive processes for students with ASD.