Assistive Technology allows so many students the ability to do different things in the classroom. It has given students a sense of independence and pride in knowing that they are able to make achievements on their own. Assistive technology allows students' dreams to come alive.
When a teacher implements the use of assistive technology there are some changes that are made in his/her classroom in order to help different students with disabilities learn. First off it would be the lesson plan. There are a few important parts of a lesson plan that includes opportunities for students with disabilities to be successful participants. These include hands on activities and activities that allow students to grasp different concepts in order to meet different goals.
There is a video that shows how different students with disabilities are using assistive technology to help them in school (Edutopia, 2005). Some students are able to complete assignments through the use of a computer. There was a student that was unable to use her hands to type on the computer. She uses a voice activated software that allows her to speak what she wishes to be typed in. There was also a student who was able to participate in a school band class by playing an instrument. He started off by playing only one note but, then had his instrument modified. There are also students that use an interactive board that gives a student that is unable to speak, a voice. It makes it possible for the student to communicate what they are learning, how they feel, and their different needs.The interactive board can also be modified to meet a particular curriculum that the teacher may be using.
When a teacher implements the use of assistive technology there are some changes that are made in his/her classroom in order to help different students with disabilities learn. First off it would be the lesson plan. There are a few important parts of a lesson plan that includes opportunities for students with disabilities to be successful participants. These include hands on activities and activities that allow students to grasp different concepts in order to meet different goals.
There is a video that shows how different students with disabilities are using assistive technology to help them in school (Edutopia, 2005). Some students are able to complete assignments through the use of a computer. There was a student that was unable to use her hands to type on the computer. She uses a voice activated software that allows her to speak what she wishes to be typed in. There was also a student who was able to participate in a school band class by playing an instrument. He started off by playing only one note but, then had his instrument modified. There are also students that use an interactive board that gives a student that is unable to speak, a voice. It makes it possible for the student to communicate what they are learning, how they feel, and their different needs.The interactive board can also be modified to meet a particular curriculum that the teacher may be using.
I believe that a teacher should take certain steps first in order to modify different activities to accommodate students with disabilities. One of these steps includes studying more in depth about each disability. A site that I would recommend is Do2Learn: Educational Resources for Special Needs . Do2Learn provides thousands of pages of social skills and
behavioral regulation activities and guidance, learning songs and
games, communication cards, academic material, and transition guides
for employment and life skills (Do2Learn, 1999). The site lists the different disabilities and definitions for each based on IDEA.
Another step would be a need to look at each disability and think about the modifications that need to be made in my lesson. I would also look up different activities for a particular disability that are used by other teacher professionals. I would learn about each student and try different methods to see what best fits their needs.
When it comes down to the evaluation of each student the test should not be the same as the one for a student without a specific disability. The test questions should be straight to the point and very specific. The student if needed could use a set of earphones to screen out distractions while taking the test. The teacher could also have a one to one test taking session with the student. The goals listed for the student should be noted if they were achieved.
There are several criteria that I would suggest using in order to assess the appropriateness of revised activities. The first would be is if the activity is appropriate for a specific disability that the student may have. The second would be accuracy of information given to the student. Another one could be creativeness in a sense that the student learns from the activity and is able to apply it to real-life situations.
I believe that assistive technology is really important in that it helps students be a lot more independent. It allows for the idea that students can achieve at a higher level with some technical assistance. On a more personal level, my nephew was tested and was found to have a learning disability. He was unable to read at his age level. Basically, he was not able to make the connection between certain letters and its sound. He would often get frustrated and sometimes give up when given something to read. At school he was given an interactive computer program that allowed for him to listen and see each letter. It also showed him pictures associated with the letters. He would be given at least three letters to learn each day. This assistive technology has allowed him to progress dramatically. It has also brought up his self-esteem, he is proud of himself and feels motivated to learn so much more.
Another step would be a need to look at each disability and think about the modifications that need to be made in my lesson. I would also look up different activities for a particular disability that are used by other teacher professionals. I would learn about each student and try different methods to see what best fits their needs.
When it comes down to the evaluation of each student the test should not be the same as the one for a student without a specific disability. The test questions should be straight to the point and very specific. The student if needed could use a set of earphones to screen out distractions while taking the test. The teacher could also have a one to one test taking session with the student. The goals listed for the student should be noted if they were achieved.
There are several criteria that I would suggest using in order to assess the appropriateness of revised activities. The first would be is if the activity is appropriate for a specific disability that the student may have. The second would be accuracy of information given to the student. Another one could be creativeness in a sense that the student learns from the activity and is able to apply it to real-life situations.
I believe that assistive technology is really important in that it helps students be a lot more independent. It allows for the idea that students can achieve at a higher level with some technical assistance. On a more personal level, my nephew was tested and was found to have a learning disability. He was unable to read at his age level. Basically, he was not able to make the connection between certain letters and its sound. He would often get frustrated and sometimes give up when given something to read. At school he was given an interactive computer program that allowed for him to listen and see each letter. It also showed him pictures associated with the letters. He would be given at least three letters to learn each day. This assistive technology has allowed him to progress dramatically. It has also brought up his self-esteem, he is proud of himself and feels motivated to learn so much more.
References:
1. Edutopia. (2005, February 2). How Assistive Technology Enables Dreams[video file]. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/assistive-technology-enabling-dreams-video.
2. Do2Learn: Educational Resources for Special Needs. (1999). Retrieved from
http://www.do2learn.com/
1. Edutopia. (2005, February 2). How Assistive Technology Enables Dreams[video file]. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/assistive-technology-enabling-dreams-video.
2. Do2Learn: Educational Resources for Special Needs. (1999). Retrieved from
http://www.do2learn.com/
