Digital social story preparation skills: impact of an online course on special education teacher candidates

In this study, an online course was designed and implemented to improve special education teacher candidates' competencies in preparing digital social stories (DSS). A mixed methods design was employed with 33 participants. Data were gathered through quantitative and qualitative tools. Quantitative data were analysed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, and qualitative responses were examined through content analysis. The results of the study revealed that there was a significant increase in the digital social story preparation competencies of special education teacher candidates who participated in the online course. In addition, it was observed that the course provided the participants with insights into the components and stages of DSS preparation. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that similar education programmes should be provided to teachers both before and during their service and the results should be systematically evaluated and disseminated.