Developing the skills of students with mild intellectual disabilities using interactive map applications in a social studies course: An action research

Abstract

The purpose of this research is developing the skills of students with mild intellectual disabilities using interactive map applications (Google Maps, Yandex Maps), determining how to implement the applications, and revealing the problems encountered in practice and possible solutions in detail. The research is designed in an action research model. The study group of the research consists of three students who were diagnosed with mild intellectual disability by the Counseling Research Center (CRC) and study in the special education class of a secondary school in Ankara. In the research, "Observation Form Concerning the Use of Interactive Map Applications" was used in the pre-application, post-application and permanence application. researcher’s diary, video and photograph records are other data collection tools used in the research. At the end of the study, the students' ability to use interactive map applications on the phone, computer and smart board was measured and it was determined that the students' skills were improved. The development of interactive map use skills of students with mild intellectual disabilities in social studies lessons contributed to the development of students' direction finding and map literacy skills. In addition, it has been observed that developing these skills contributes to the life skills of students as it increases their self-confidence and improves their abstract thinking skills.