Technology as a tool for assisting students with special educational needs to learn and like mathematics and science: a literature review

Abstract

Students with Special Educational Needs are encouraged to achieve high academic standards in Mathematics and Science education to better understand the natural world, develop life skills, and achieve career success. In this regard, digital technology assists students with disabilities in achieving Mathematics and Science literacy. This article presents a systematic literature review on the role of technology in Science education for students with Special Education Needs. An extensive search in academic databases yielded 24 journal articles from 2006 to 2022. These 24 empirical studies’ were reviewed through electronic databases, including Scopus, ERIC, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. The findings demonstrate that using assistive technology in Mathematics and Science education had a major positive impact on students’ motivation, attitude, and academic performance. Positive learning outcomes probably depend on how digital technology is used, specifically the capabilities of each unique technological implementation. For evidence-based research designs in digitally supported learning environments for students with Special Education Needs, digital technology and its affordances are recommended, among other quality indicators.