I learned that not only is assistive technology and assistive devices helpful in the classroom, they are also easily accessed and can even be created by the class itself. Many people believe that within 10 years textbooks will be a thing of the past and learning on mobile devices will the the future. Students with reading difficulties have more helpful options on a mobile device than a textbook. Also, many of the tools already installed on many popular computer brands have the ability to assist students that may have special needs. One hiccup a class may face is whether or not the school will allow certain programs to be installed or downloaded on the schools computers. Another concern is that people with special reading needs won't have those needs met by the assistive devices, for what ever reason whether it be it's not accepted by the school or it is too costly.
I think computer software like screen enlargement and screen readers that help students with sensory impairments are the most helpful in a classroom setting. Students could use software like these to learn really anything that can be worked on on a computer, from math to history. If the classroom is shifting to technology and devices then they must be improved from the previous tools that classes have used before, otherwise there really would not be any point to using them.
I do believe that having access to assistive technology and devices will be extremely helpful to my classroom. Even if I don't have any students with special needs, which is highly unlikely, I will be glad that I am prepared as well as the school. Having an entry level understanding of these technologies and devices prepares me for very likely situations I will face in the classroom. I want to be as prepared as I can be because if I fail in any are then I've failed my students as well.
References: Ahrens, K. (2011). Build An Assistive Technology Toolkit. Learning and Leading, 23-23.Bowser, G., & Smiley Zabala, J. (2012). AIM for Digital Equity. Learning and Leading, 16-17.
I think computer software like screen enlargement and screen readers that help students with sensory impairments are the most helpful in a classroom setting. Students could use software like these to learn really anything that can be worked on on a computer, from math to history. If the classroom is shifting to technology and devices then they must be improved from the previous tools that classes have used before, otherwise there really would not be any point to using them.
I do believe that having access to assistive technology and devices will be extremely helpful to my classroom. Even if I don't have any students with special needs, which is highly unlikely, I will be glad that I am prepared as well as the school. Having an entry level understanding of these technologies and devices prepares me for very likely situations I will face in the classroom. I want to be as prepared as I can be because if I fail in any are then I've failed my students as well.
References: Ahrens, K. (2011). Build An Assistive Technology Toolkit. Learning and Leading, 23-23.Bowser, G., & Smiley Zabala, J. (2012). AIM for Digital Equity. Learning and Leading, 16-17.
Assistive technology and assistive devices is a great advancement and I agree with you they are very helpful and useful for students in the classroom setting. I like that you brought up larger text on computers can help students read as well as screen readers. It is crazy how technology can assist students with special needs and mainstream students as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you as well that having the assistive technology available in a classroom is extremely helpful even if you do not need it having access to it is a great plus.
Hi Laura,
ReplyDeleteI agree that "screen enlargement and screen readers" can be helpful to students with reading. At the high school I work at, we had a girl with some disabilities and, in order to help her not be overwhelmed during tests, her teacher put one problem on each page so she could concentrate on that one problem and not be worried about the other ones and gave her extra time on the tests. This helped her immensely--not only was she less stressed about the exams, but she went from failing to a B by the end of the class! It was a simple adjustment, but by being able to reprint the test in a different format, it led to her success in the class.
Hi Laura,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your last statement. As more schools begin to adopt the "inclusion model", classrooms will become more diverse and we, the teachers, need to be prepared and updated on any technology and devices any of our students may need.
At the middle school I work at, there are a couple of students who struggle with writing. Their Educational Specialist along with Classroom teacher type up lesson notes leaving some blank spaces for the students to fill in. This is a big help for them as it outlines the key ideas but at the same time they need to pay attention to make sure they fill in the blanks. Also, all writing assignments are done on Chromebooks and they are allowed extra time to finish. These are some actual accommodations that are being practiced now.
Laura,
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you that the switch from textbooks to mobile devices such as tablets will be a great benefit to students with learning disabilities. If you think about it, the only thing a textbook can do is sit there. However, mobile devices have endless possibilities. In fact, I can see them enhancing the learning capabilities of all students. For the students who cannot read well, they can use a text reading program on the device. The students who do not have this problem will also enjoy the devices because you have the potential to highlight text and take notes all in one place on the device. If these devices have internet access, the students can even look up more information on the subject they are studying or find help for concepts they do not understand.
It only makes sense that classrooms keep up with the technological progress being made in the world. It is good that you have been exposed to this background information about assistive technology. No one would expect you to always know the new device or program that can help students with disabilities learn, but it would be a good idea to periodically check what technology is now available for classroom use. The more informed you are, the better prepared you will be to address any difficulties your students will come across in class.
-Scott