Nurturing Sustainable Learning: Implementing an Interactive Mobile Multimedia Applications (IMMAS) Training Program for Special Education Teachers to Enhance Inclusive Pedagogical Innovation
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Abstract
Globally, inclusive teacher training is a cornerstone of equitable education, yet many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face challenges in preparing teachers to integrate technology into diverse classrooms. This study examines the impact of the Interactive Mobile Multimedia Applications (IMMAS) training program, an eight-week blended professional development initiative for 10 Malaysian special education teachers. Designed around Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, IMMAS aimed to build teachers’ digital capacity, transform professional identity, and promote sustainable instructional innovation. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, weekly reflective journals, and multimedia lesson portfolios, and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis. Three themes emerged: (1) a pedagogical shift toward learner-centred, multimodal lesson design; (2) transformation of teacher identity, with participants increasingly viewing themselves as content creators and mentors; and (3) sustainability through reusability of digital resources and grassroots peer collaboration. Findings demonstrate that mobile multimedia training can operationalise UDL principles, foster teacher self-efficacy, and establish school-based ecosystems of innovation. This study contributes new evidence from Southeast Asia to global discussions on inclusive education and educational technology, complementing top-down models in OECD countries with a cost-effective, grassroots-driven approach. IMMAS aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4, emphasising equity and quality in education, and offers a scalable model for teacher development in resource-constrained settings. Future research should explore long-term sustainability and integration with national policies to scale this innovation.
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