Assistive Technology- Blog C

I am very much in support of using assistive technology in the classroom. Teachers should surround themselves with as many different types of learning aids that they possibly can. There are students out there who have so many different learning styles so we, as teachers (or future teachers), need to be prepared for those learners. Assistive technology is an extremely valuable tool that we can use to reach as many students as possible. This does not mean that only need to have technology that assists students who have disabilities, although this is extremely important. The Universal Design for Learning is an approach to learning that was developed by CAST in which teachers structure their curriculum and teaching styles to suit all types of learners. This is based on research in neuroscience which states that there are three primary areas of the brain that are involved in learning. From this the Universal Design for Learning focuses on three areas in which there are multiple ways to reach students: representation, expression and engagement. In this way, all students can be reached on many different levels. Not only would it be wise for teachers to include assistive technology in the classroom for the student's benefit, it would also be wise for the teacher to include this technology because of Section 508. Section 508 is a law that requires all Federal agencies to include technology that will support people with disabilities. In other words, schools must provide technology that will help students with disabilities to learn at their own pace and style. I will include four different types of assistive technology that I feel would be beneficial for all students in the classroom.

The first piece of assistive technology that every student would be able to work well with is the Alpha Smart Dana. This is basically a portable keyboard that students can use to write with. There are no distracting games that are included in the Alpha Smart Dana and, since it is portable, students can use it anywhere in the classroom. This would be great for students who have trouble sitting still in one place for very long, for students who need to sit in a more comfortable position when typing, for students who cannot sit at a computer and type, and many other types of learners. Teachers can have their students use the Alpha Smart Dana while they are in class, taking notes. This would be great for students who type faster than they write or who have trouble with writing. Of course, there is always a downside to technology and this one has a few. There is a stylus that is included that students can use to write with but the version of the letters in the alphabet that they must use is difficult to adapt to for younger students. Fortunately, the user is not required to use the stylus when writing. The menu is a also a bit confusing but once the students get used to it, they will be able to get right into whatever they need to do. In my opinion, the positives far outweigh the negatives of this machine and it would make a good option for any classroom.

For students who cannot type, there is a unique type of technology called the LOMAC. This is a light sensory technology that students can use to type with. The students puts a headset on that has a tiny beam of light coming out of it. Then the student just points the light at a specific light-sensitive keyboard which records the letter. This is a little time consuming as you can imagine but if a student has no way of typing on their own, this is well worth the effort that goes into it. All students will be able to use this technology as well. If a student hurts their hand in some way, they could use LOMAC until their hand gets better. So this is a technology that can help most students.

An interesting technology that can be used to help students with math is called the Math Pad. A page that describes the Math Pad in more detail can be found here: http://www.synapseadaptive.com/intellitools/mathpad.html. Basically, the Math Pad is designed to help students see a math problem more clearly and to solve that problem easier. This is the perfect solution for students who have trouble writing out math problems and following the problem to find the correct solution. This is also a great resource for students who are more visual because they will be able to see the problem on a screen in large print. I would definitely use this technology in my future classroom.

The last technology that I will cover is called the Tango. This is my absolute favorite assistive technology because it is fun to use and easy for students to figure out. This device helps students to learn how to communicate with others. They can use it to leave messages, take digital pictures, practice greetings, and much more. It was developed by the parent of an autistic girl so it works very well with students who have autism. The directions are very straightforward and easy for students to follow. Teachers can also use this device to leave messages for the student to listen to later. There are so many different uses for this technology and it would be a wonderful asset for any classroom.

Assistive technology is an essential part of including all students in effective learning. Since there are so many different styles of learning and learning needs, teachers need to find as many resources as possible that will help those students fulfill all of the potential that they have and more. I am very much in favor of using assistive technology in the classroom because I feel that all students deserve the chance to learn as much as they want and with as much help as they need.