Assistive Technology/Assistive Devices
In an article written by Kelly Ahrens
that was published in the November 2011 issue of Learning and Leading the
author goes into detail on how teachers and schools can build a network of
assistive technology for their special needs students. “I encourage students,
parents and educators to advocate for assistive technology service” (Ahrens, 2011) Ahrens doesn’t just encourage
those interested to be advocates, but to take it further and build AT toolkits
along with the help of the school IT department in order to better assist those
with special needs. (Ahrens, 2011)
Today we are all about the apps
(software applications) for our devices and the best part about some apps is
that they are completely free. There are also app’s that may have a charge but
odds are it’s worth it whatever it is. Apps are relatively new and have
exploded in the last few years. There are many apps that are already uploaded
in our operating systems (OS) on many computers already (Ahrens, 2011) you just need to know how to
access them. Apps can help us with many different limitations whether it’s a
talk to text app or a visual app that enlarges items on the screen for those
with visual impairments.
Having every students computer enabled
with a wide variety of applications in order to meet specific needs will not
only help the students complete the activities the teacher has assigned but
also improve their self-esteem and feelings of being a part of the class. When
students are happy and can keep up with the rest of the class when their
special needs are met the teacher can therefore teach his or her entire lesson
and then go around to those who need help understanding the material and not
just helping those with special needs complete the assignment, with the proper
apps if they already understand what it to be done they can now have the tools
in order to complete it.
Works Cited
Ahrens, K.
(2011, November). Build an Assistive Technology Toolkit. Learning and
Leading , 22-23.
Hi Antonio!
ReplyDeleteYou picked an interesting article. I personally have not used very many apps in general as they do take a lot of space on the small phone I have so I have not really thought about the different assistive apps that exist. I will have to go look at the apple store to see the variety that are offered. It definitely makes me appreciate the apps more though as before when I thought of apps I would think more in terms of games being offered, store apps, netflix, etc. and I had not thought about them in an educational sense. It is amazing how far we have come with technology that we are able to develop tools like this that can make such a big difference in a student''s education experience. I also like how you mentioned that most are free or if not they are a minimal price. It would be well worth it to pay the little bit extra to greatly improve one's learning abilities.
Good post!
I liked how you touched on the assistive technology being a way to boost self esteem for children When they can be more independent and not have to constantly rely on others or teachers to help them, they can begin to feel more confident and competent in their school work. With this new found confidence int eh classroom, students may also feel a sense of confidence outside of the classroom and in social situations. There are so many apps and forms of assistive technology that can be adapted to each and every child needs. I think these new assistive technologies will be a major advantage in the classroom not only for the students, but for the teachers as well.
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