Assistive Technology can be very useful for students struggling in school or disabled children (Bowser, 2013, pg. 10). For some individuals, assistive technology in the classroom is essential in creating equal opportunity with other students who are able-bodied. Low-tech options, as we saw from the "Assistive Technology: Opening Doors to independence" video in class, can include a reading ruler. This helps to separate the lines when children are reading. The video depicts how those who are disabled can benefit from a reading ruler. For instance, if a student is dyslexic, a reading ruler could be accessible for those individuals to make sense of the words and follow along on the page. This is considered a low-tech assistive technology tool. A more high-tech digital tool that students can use are "their mobile phones and free voice dictation (Dragon Dictation or other voice recognition technology) to overcome their writing difficulties" (Bowser, 2013, pg. 10). These are great free tools that can can be implemented in the classroom for students having difficulty with writing. Text can also be emailed from a student's phone, once it is imputed (Bowser, 2013, pg. 10). According to the article, it is fairly common, and seems to make learning much more efficient for students who struggle with writing, or who can't write at all.
The assistive technology I found most interesting and useful are "Google Books" which "have increased the number of books available to visually impaired readers online by adding screen reading software to its book site" (Ahrens, 2011, pg. 22). This device is free to use for exceptional learning conditions, such as visually impaired individuals. Reading software interprets what is on the screen and can turn text into speech for those who can't see clearly. This would create equity for individuals with disabilities to complete reading assignments in class. For instance if students are expected to read and then discuss a section of the book with classmates, they can access the book through Google with their head phones. This would help meet learning goals in my classroom, as it accommodates all types of readers and individuals with disabilities. Also, reading is an essential part of K-12 and beyond, so it is vital that all students are provided an equal opportunity. "This functionality has created more titles than exist in all the libraries serving the blind throughout the world" (Ahrens, 2011, pg. 22). As a result, it is one of the top tools for visually impaired readers.
This entry level understanding of Assistive Technology prepares me for my future educational objective, as it creates an equal access and equal opportunity learning environment. I believe some of the brightest students can be disabled or have learning disabilities, and just need the proper tools to express themselves. In addition, there are "customized tools for multiple learning styles" (Ahrens, 2011, pg. 22). Besides physically or mentally disabled students, these tools can also be useful for various learning styles. I hope to create an environment that allows students to access and explore the tools that work best to reach common goals and standards for the class.
Works Cited:
Ahrens, K. (2011). Build an Assistive Technology Toolkit. Learning & Leading with Technology,
41(7), 22-22. Retrieved July 1, 2015, from http://www.learningandleading-
digital.com/learningandleading
Bowser, G. (2014). Assistive Technology in the Digital Age. Learning & Leading with Technology,
41(7), 10-10. Retrieved July 1, 2015, from http://www.learningandleading-
digital.com/learningandleading
I agree, “Google Books” sounds like a great resource for students and adults with visual impairments. When literacy became a society trait, not just something for the privileged class, the world changed. It is extremely important for people to be able to do their own research and have access to new information. “Google books” sounds like a great way for people with visual impairments to have access to information they otherwise would have had to rely on other people for. Your statistic about how few braille books there are surprised me, but I’m glad to know visually impaired adults and children now have this resource as technology has advanced.
ReplyDeleteUsing Google Books in the classroom is a great way to promote equity. For those who are visually impaired, resources like Google Books will allow the opportunity to participate in mainstream activities. Having access to information is a basic right for all, so resources like Google Books are highly important for those with visual impairments. Having that "entry level" understanding of Assistive Technology is very important for teachers because it allows us to reach more students. Another resource to utilize in regard to AT is the school IT department. This department can speed up the process of transforming your classroom into an Assistive Technology friendly classroom. Overall, having this understanding of AT is important for making the classroom a more inclusive environment for all students.
ReplyDeleteHi Lauren!
ReplyDeleteI like how you mentioned using tools that help students who cannot write. This year, I was exposed to a student who has dysgraphia (inability to write). Before meeting this student, I had no knowledge about this disability and it has really interested me to find ways to better his education. I have used math and language arts iPad apps with him but it is good to know that there are other devices available to aid in his education. Without having these kinds of tools available for these students, learning would be drastically slowed in all subjects.
Hi Lauren,
ReplyDeleteI agree that we need to have assistive technology to can help bright students with disabilities be able to express themselves. For me, this is a very important thing that assitive technology does. I like how in your post you mentioned the differences between 'low tech' and 'high tech'. While I do know that more expensive and complicated technology is hard to obtain in schools, I wonder if teachers would be able to at least ask for more low tech tools. I think that a lot of the time teachers and school districts aren't aware of all the wonderful possibilities and tools that are available. I certainly didn't know about a lot of these technologies I read about. Perhaps it would be beneficial to try to spread awareness of assistive technology, especially low tech that would not cost much to the district. Of course, I wish that every student with disabilities would have access to all the technology available, but unfortunately we live in a world where schools are constantly without funding or money and have to cut back on technology that could help students. Hopefully making schools and staff more aware of assistive technology can make more opportunities to help students possible.