AMANDA HYNAN FINAL THESIS PDF

convenience of having all his internet and online social media resources as well as
environmental controls available in one place and effectively with him at all times.
The main disadvantage which appeared to be the most frustrating was the necessity to
toggle between programmes that essentially meant participants were ‘voiceless’ when
they were working online unless they toggled back into their voice output software.
Other limitations mentioned although inconvenient could often be worked around or
accepted, for example, Erica was not too bothered about texting as she had other
means of communicating through online social media sites such as email or
Facebook. The lack of access to cameras was a big issue for the participants,
especially if text-based communication was difficult and Skype was desired, but
created concerns over consent, privacy and appropriate use within educational
settings. This is particularly pertinent as most mainstream devices have cameras and
their use is becoming ubiquitous. Within the minority world the issue of camera use in
educational institutions has been widely discussed and will be covered in more detail
in the next chapter (section 5.4.3.). Three further issues that arose within this category
were problems interfacing with college domains for the Windows XP Home operating
system within many integrated VOCAs, the frustrations of not being able to play
computer games and the uncertainty about how young people access support and
repairs once they leave educational settings.
4.9. Self-determination
The participants gave various descriptions of how they felt using digital technology
and online social media had improved opportunities for self-determination. An
important aspect of self-determination is the ability to use individual skills to carry
out self-chosen activities.
4.9.1. Autonomy and authorship
Xavier: “It gave me more independence. I can organise things like meetings
myself”
2 nd interview
Email question: How do you feel using the internet has changed your life?
Peter: “I can keep in touch with friends and family easily. I can plan my
leisure time myself”
153