Teacher Perceptions of the Implementation of a Digital Token Economy in Inclusive Classrooms

In inclusive classrooms teachers support students with various needs. Students with exceptionalities are included in general education which can provide various challenges for teachers. A common system used by teachers to support students is a token economy. Increase use of digital technology in education has make available the use of token economies on digital platforms. More information is needed to determine how digital token economy has allowed teachers to expand their use of the system as a tool to support classroom management, student motivation, and academic achievement for students with exceptionalities. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to examine middle school teachers' perceptions of digital token economy as a tool to support classroom management, student motivation, and academic achievement for students with exceptionalities in inclusive classrooms in Florida. Online interviews using Microsoft Teams were conducted with 10 purposeful sampled participants with experience implementing digital token economy in inclusive classroom settings in the southeastern United States. The interviews were transcribed to collect data using in vivo coding to create categories and to present themes based on the results. Four reoccurring themes emerged from the interview transcriptions using in vivo coding. The following themes were identified as factors of the implementation of a digital token economy in inclusive classrooms: (1) Tool for student engagement, (2) tool to promote successful learning environment, (3) tool for ESE support, and (4) implementation challenges. These themes were interdependent of the implementation process for teachers. All four themes were identified as factors related the research questions. The themes provide insight into the implementation perceptions of teachers for the digital token economy system in inclusive classrooms. The findings of this study provides educators insight on the successes and challenges of implementation of digital token economy in inclusive classrooms. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]