MSc Educational Assistive Technology: Training an Emergent Professional Group

Area of Science:

• Assistive Technology
• Educational Technology
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• The MSc Educational Assistive Technology (EduAT) course was established in January 2021.
• The course has successfully completed its initial cohorts and is actively recruiting for its fourth intake.
• The curriculum has been developed and delivered, establishing EduAT as a recognized program in AT training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and rationale behind the MSc EduAT program.
• To outline the curriculum designed for training assistive technologists.
• To explore the integration of the MSc EduAT within the broader AT training ecosystem.

Main Methods:

• Curriculum development based on the ESCO definition of an Assistive Technologist.
• Analysis of the course's establishment and growth.
• Incorporation of student contributions and practical experiences.

Main Results:

• The MSc EduAT is now an established program with a defined curriculum.
• The course supports the development of key roles within the assistive technology field.
• Learnings from the course delivery have informed AT research and training initiatives.

Conclusions:

• The MSc EduAT program is a significant addition to the assistive technology training landscape.
• The program's success has provided valuable insights into the needs of assistive technologists.
• Future research and development in AT and AAC are being shaped by the experiences gained from the MSc EduAT.