Using Technology for Accessible Chemistry Homework for High School Students with and without Learning Disabilities

High school students with and without learning disabilities in two chemistry classes accessed technologically-enhanced worksheets, called Pencasts, when completing homework assignments. In this action research study, feedback from students was gathered via questionnaires and interviews. Students most frequently used Pencasts to figure out how to solve homework problems, and all students expressed satisfaction with using Pencasts. Students shared other ways they used Pencasts, such as studying for chemistry tests, and shared how they could benefit if Pencasts were available in other classes. According to the teacher, students with and without disabilities completed the majority of homework when Pencasts were available, and almost all students earned A grades on homework. Teacher reflections about Pencasts, implications for practice, and future research are described.