How can technology assist students with special needs with regard to literacy? In what ways do some students need accommodation in order to use technology effectively?
There are several devices and software products that can help students with special needs. For children with fine motor issues, alphasmarts and computers with speech recognition software are great ways to write. For children with visual deficits, there are enlargers and books on tape. For children with hearing deficits, computer videos with sign are available as well as FM transmitters to help with hearing. Sometimes students need technology modified in order to help their needs. I had a student who used a modified keyboard which that had larger keys since he had some vision loss. We also use touch screens in our class since several of our kids do not know the alphabet or how to write yet. With touch screens, they can navigate websites like starfall and switch games to help with alphabet exposure and computer use preparation. In addition to using these technologies, we have a dynovox and a couple of super talkers in our classroom to aid children in oral expression of their needs and wants.
First off, I think that all students need the accommodation of being shown how to properly utilize every piece of technology that they work with. Even in the case of differentiated instruction in regards to the use of technology, I think that teachers should model all forms of technology that are available in the classroom to all students, not just those that they think will be using them most. This gives everyone access to each of them, while the technology that may be of lower ability levels for the struggling readers won't be pinpointed at those particular students who need them. The technology used in the classroom can assist students of special needs in many different ways. For those struggling to read on their own, technology can greatly increase their comprehension with things such as books on tape or online books. Having a text read aloud to a student can also have a positive effect on their fluency by being able to hear the proper expression, phrasing, and intonation used in the reader's voice. The use of technology is also a wonderful motivator for those who struggle in finding the motivation to become better readers and writers on their own. Technology allows students to take a step away from the traditional paper and pencil or textbook and gives them a different, more exciting outlook on ways that they can practice their literacy skills.
Assistive technology refers to any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability (Behrmann, 1995). As technology becomes more mainstream and a necessary component of the twenty-first century classroom, I fell that assistive technologies benefit all students. There are so many programs that assist students with special needs. A number of approaches are available such as organization, note taking, writing assistance, productivity, access to reference materials, cognitive assistance, and material modifications. See this website for specific ideas for both (very helpful). http://www.teachervision.fen.com/assistive-technology/teaching-methods/3791.html. There are text to speech software applications or voice to text applications for students who have speech difficulties. For students who struggle with hearing things such as hearing helper and headphones can enhance instruction. For sight issues students can utilize the windows options of having a narrator or a magnifier. Other useful assistive technologies include eBook readers, bookshare.org, and HELP read. For physical limitations students can use eye controlled communication devices, communication boards, mouth operated joystick, transportable Braille software, a reading pen, or one hand keypad. Lastly, I found that there are assistive technologies such as big key keyboards, big mouse, left handed keyboard, and a no hands mouse.
For some students, a very simple modification can be the key to success. Larger or different font sizes, font on different colored backgrounds and text to speech software can mean a world of difference for a student who struggles. Technology, as its development has progressed so rapidly over the past decade, now needs to be modified to become simpler to meet the increasing needs of students. Keyboards, display/touch screens, command prompts and educational software/websites need to be examined for their effectiveness and usefulness in an attempt to best meet a student’s needs and accomplished the desired learning in the best use of time. Technology has certainly opened the door for societal and educational advancement and with careful examination, education and critique, it can be the key to many successful educational adventures.
Technology can assist students in so many different ways. It’s unbelievable to know the resources and supports that are out there for students. It worries me that a majority of the supports I’m learning about are through this course. It makes me wonder why teachers aren’t trained on these specific assistive technology devices, or at least updated on current ones students benefit from. I instantly think of IST meetings where we try to brainstorm certain accommodations for students. It’s nice to know about the variety of assistive techs. that are out there because they may be a perfect fit for the student you are discussing. One assistive technology device I absolutely love is boardmaker. This device is a communication device that helps students with visual supports, and speech and language assistance. I witnessed this device help a student with his communication skills in a very positive and rewarding way. This student actually learned how to say a few words orally because how often he used it. It was amazing! I feel that students need proper training and instruction on how to use each piece of equipment. Teachers should be informed and familiar with how to use it as well. This would set the stage for nothing less than the best when it comes to using these accommodations in a classroom!
Technology can assist students with special needs in regard to literacy in numerous ways. Their are a variety of programs and devices that can help students with auditory, visual, speech, and find motor skill difficulties. For example, for my powerpoint slide I researched a software program called the Text Talkster. This program allows students or teachers to type in any type of documents such as letters, school papers, text books,etc. In return, the program on the computer will read the entered text back to the student. This AT assists students to read, interpret, and proofread the information they entered. In some ways students need accommodations to use technology effectively by simply being trained how to use the AT. Students need to know how the AT device will help him/her learn, they can't just be handed the equipment and be expected to learn. Students should be aware of how to use the AT, the benefits of the AT, and why they are using the AT. I believe that technology is so helpful and fun to integrate with literacy that a whole class can benefit from AT devices and software. This way every student has a chance to interact with technology while learning, and no student will feel singled out for using AT.
Technology is a great resource to use for students will special needs. I feel that there is so much out there that can support our students in literacy with the use of technology. Some things that I have seen and would use would be using a smart board. I like how there are multiple ways to use them and I feel that it gives students an interactive way to help students with reading, writing and communicating. Another thing that I have seen in the classroom is the use of computers for a lot of different things. Students can type papers, there is software to help students with typing as well. I have also seen students using recorders to help with them with their fluency. The resources are available for teachers, you just have to constantly look for resources that are useful but also find things that meet the needs of your students as well.
I agree with Tessa that all students need to properly learn how to use the different types of technology correctly. However, students with special needs will require additional accomodations. Teachers will need to simplify directions as much as possible, and have them practice hands-on how to work each device. When actually working with the technology, it would be benefical to have either an aid, teacher, or peer be next to the student the first couple of times until the student feels comfortable. (Then later instead of having someone there all the time, having someone near by.) I know that can go for any student, but students without special needs will not need as much guided practice.
Using technology for students with special needs is very benefical. It allows them to focus better on their assignments because it forces them to be more hands-on. For example, using a word prediction program will help those students that need help creating stories or essays. The students may still become frustrated, but the program will allow him or her to get his or her ideas out more freely. It will help them come up with ideas, and help them a great deal with spelling. Just having the ability to write for some is a huge accomplishment!
There are so many different kinds of technologies that help students with various needs. A common technology device I have seen used is an alpha smart. Many of my students, who struggled with their fine motor skills, for example holding a pencil, would use their alpha smarts to type up all of their assignments. They were able to hook their alpha smart up to the classroom computer and then print up the assignment that was due.
A simple piece of technology that is commonly used in classrooms is a listening device. Usually in reading centers students have a chance to listen to an audible story. Students in this center are able to listen to how words are pronounced and what fluent reading sounds like. Students can easily stop and rewind the tape if they missed something.
To use the technology successfully I think the most important thing for teachers to do is model how each technological device works. Students need time to practice using the technology, maybe with the help of a teacher standing by and then gradually students will hopefully be able to use the technology on their own.
I agree with Tessa that technology needs to be modeled and shown to every student so everyone has the same opportunity. BY introducing it to the entire class, no child will feel left out or different when using the technology. Technology is becoming more relevant in today’s classrooms. Technology can assist students with special needs with regard to literacy in many ways. Children can use computers to have books read to them to help them increase their vocabulary and fluency. With computers, you can always change the font size so the child with visual impairments will be able to read the text. You can get specific keyboard or mouse that suits your child. I have also seen boardmaker used to help students with their communication skills and helps them visually. Some students need accommodation in order to use technology effectively because some of the technology is difficult to use without proper instruction from the teacher. This means teachers need to know how to use every piece of technology they are bringing into their classroom and if they do not, they need to seek help from someone in the school who knows how to use the technology. Once children know how to use the technology that benefits them, they will be able to receive they extra assistance they need to become better learners.
Technology can assist children with special needs. Books on tape or online books are a great option for students to read books that may be at a higher level or to practice their fluency. From this class, I have also learned about numerous technology programs that can assist children with literacy. One program I learned about was boardmaker, which can help students with communication needs. I was amazed to learn about modified keyboards and touch screens that can be used for children with special needs. The use of these technological devices allows all students to be successful.
Technology can be used for all students, especially those with special needs in regards to literacy. However, not all of the technologies that are there for students work for every student. Teachers need to know what they have access to and try different technologies with different students until they find technologies that are successful. Smart boards as well as various computer programs may be beneficial like Jen said, but also, reading pens can help students with their vocabulary. Some students need accommodation in order to use technology effectively. Teachers can provide time to assist students with various technologies and also, they may have other students help as well. However, the most beneficial technologies would be technologies that students can utilize on their own and be just as successful.
There are a number of assistive technology devices that could be used to help students with special needs regarding literacy. For example, the electronic book(e-book) it is a copy of an original book, but it adds multimedia effects that helps increase the student's understand of the content material. By using the e-book, the student's learning is scaffold through sound, animation,and activities, in which they might not be able to learn by themselves. In addition, the text-reader software such as Read and Write Gold software, while the text is being read, the same text is highlighted on the computer screen. The student is able to adjust the program to meet their special preference reading speed, gender voice and pitch. The student will need to be taught how to use the computer keyboard or mouse to use this software. The student will also listen to this through headphones or speakers, so if he or she is hearing impaired amplification accommodation will have to be made for him or her. If he or she is visually impaired, they would need to enlarge the text on the computer and the would need a keyboard with large letters on the keys. Then, there is the Cast eReader is another software that can be used by children of all ages. It allow them to read text they might not be able to read by themselves. The software take electronic text and read it to the students, while the actual text is highlighted for the students to follow. The software is setup to meet the needs of students with a wide range of disabilities.
Technology can motivate those students who have special needs and struggle with reading, writing and communicating. There are items out there to assist a variety of different needs. Those with visual impairments might need to increase the font size on their computers or even use speech to text typing programs. Those with hearing difficulties may need the text to speech software so they can hear what is written on the screen. There are also students who can hear and see fine but would benefit from these programs as well as special keyboards or handheld devices to get through the day successfully. Students need training on all the different technological devices they are expected to use whether they have special needs or not. Also in order for things to run as smoothly as possible the teacher needs to be well educated on the programs and software.
I’m not a special education teacher, but I know that as a regular education teacher I will have many students in my classroom who might require modifications and assistive technology to benefit their individual academic and physical needs. I am in complete agreement with Sarah that technology does need to be simplified so the needs of more students can be fulfilled. Michelle talked about an assortment of accommodations some students need before they are able to utilize available technology successfully. I have not heard of many of the accommodations she mentioned in her blog: bookshare.org, one-hand keypad, a big mouse, a left-handed keyboard, or a no hands mouse. I’m sure by tomorrow there will be even more forms of assistive technology to add to the growing list the class has already mentioned...
There are several devices and software products that can help students with special needs. For children with fine motor issues, alphasmarts and computers with speech recognition software are great ways to write. For children with visual deficits, there are enlargers and books on tape. For children with hearing deficits, computer videos with sign are available as well as FM transmitters to help with hearing. Sometimes students need technology modified in order to help their needs. I had a student who used a modified keyboard which that had larger keys since he had some vision loss. We also use touch screens in our class since several of our kids do not know the alphabet or how to write yet. With touch screens, they can navigate websites like starfall and switch games to help with alphabet exposure and computer use preparation. In addition to using these technologies, we have a dynovox and a couple of super talkers in our classroom to aid children in oral expression of their needs and wants.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I think that all students need the accommodation of being shown how to properly utilize every piece of technology that they work with. Even in the case of differentiated instruction in regards to the use of technology, I think that teachers should model all forms of technology that are available in the classroom to all students, not just those that they think will be using them most. This gives everyone access to each of them, while the technology that may be of lower ability levels for the struggling readers won't be pinpointed at those particular students who need them.
ReplyDeleteThe technology used in the classroom can assist students of special needs in many different ways. For those struggling to read on their own, technology can greatly increase their comprehension with things such as books on tape or online books. Having a text read aloud to a student can also have a positive effect on their fluency by being able to hear the proper expression, phrasing, and intonation used in the reader's voice. The use of technology is also a wonderful motivator for those who struggle in finding the motivation to become better readers and writers on their own. Technology allows students to take a step away from the traditional paper and pencil or textbook and gives them a different, more exciting outlook on ways that they can practice their literacy skills.
Assistive technology refers to any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability (Behrmann, 1995). As technology becomes more mainstream and a necessary component of the twenty-first century classroom, I fell that assistive technologies benefit all students. There are so many programs that assist students with special needs. A number of approaches are available such as organization, note taking, writing assistance, productivity, access to reference materials, cognitive assistance, and material modifications. See this website for specific ideas for both (very helpful). http://www.teachervision.fen.com/assistive-technology/teaching-methods/3791.html. There are text to speech software applications or voice to text applications for students who have speech difficulties. For students who struggle with hearing things such as hearing helper and headphones can enhance instruction. For sight issues students can utilize the windows options of having a narrator or a magnifier. Other useful assistive technologies include eBook readers, bookshare.org, and HELP read. For physical limitations students can use eye controlled communication devices, communication boards, mouth operated joystick, transportable Braille software, a reading pen, or one hand keypad. Lastly, I found that there are assistive technologies such as big key keyboards, big mouse, left handed keyboard, and a no hands mouse.
ReplyDeleteFor some students, a very simple modification can be the key to success. Larger or different font sizes, font on different colored backgrounds and text to speech software can mean a world of difference for a student who struggles. Technology, as its development has progressed so rapidly over the past decade, now needs to be modified to become simpler to meet the increasing needs of students. Keyboards, display/touch screens, command prompts and educational software/websites need to be examined for their effectiveness and usefulness in an attempt to best meet a student’s needs and accomplished the desired learning in the best use of time. Technology has certainly opened the door for societal and educational advancement and with careful examination, education and critique, it can be the key to many successful educational adventures.
ReplyDeleteTechnology can assist students in so many different ways. It’s unbelievable to know the resources and supports that are out there for students. It worries me that a majority of the supports I’m learning about are through this course. It makes me wonder why teachers aren’t trained on these specific assistive technology devices, or at least updated on current ones students benefit from. I instantly think of IST meetings where we try to brainstorm certain accommodations for students. It’s nice to know about the variety of assistive techs. that are out there because they may be a perfect fit for the student you are discussing. One assistive technology device I absolutely love is boardmaker. This device is a communication device that helps students with visual supports, and speech and language assistance. I witnessed this device help a student with his communication skills in a very positive and rewarding way. This student actually learned how to say a few words orally because how often he used it. It was amazing! I feel that students need proper training and instruction on how to use each piece of equipment. Teachers should be informed and familiar with how to use it as well. This would set the stage for nothing less than the best when it comes to using these accommodations in a classroom!
ReplyDeleteTechnology can assist students with special needs in regard to literacy in numerous ways. Their are a variety of programs and devices that can help students with auditory, visual, speech, and find motor skill difficulties. For example, for my powerpoint slide I researched a software program called the Text Talkster. This program allows students or teachers to type in any type of documents such as letters, school papers, text books,etc. In return, the program on the computer will read the entered text back to the student. This AT assists students to read, interpret, and proofread the information they entered. In some ways students need accommodations to use technology effectively by simply being trained how to use the AT. Students need to know how the AT device will help him/her learn, they can't just be handed the equipment and be expected to learn. Students should be aware of how to use the AT, the benefits of the AT, and why they are using the AT. I believe that technology is so helpful and fun to integrate with literacy that a whole class can benefit from AT devices and software. This way every student has a chance to interact with technology while learning, and no student will feel singled out for using AT.
ReplyDeleteTechnology is a great resource to use for students will special needs. I feel that there is so much out there that can support our students in literacy with the use of technology. Some things that I have seen and would use would be using a smart board. I like how there are multiple ways to use them and I feel that it gives students an interactive way to help students with reading, writing and communicating. Another thing that I have seen in the classroom is the use of computers for a lot of different things. Students can type papers, there is software to help students with typing as well. I have also seen students using recorders to help with them with their fluency. The resources are available for teachers, you just have to constantly look for resources that are useful but also find things that meet the needs of your students as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Tessa that all students need to properly learn how to use the different types of technology correctly. However, students with special needs will require additional accomodations. Teachers will need to simplify directions as much as possible, and have them practice hands-on how to work each device. When actually working with the technology, it would be benefical to have either an aid, teacher, or peer be next to the student the first couple of times until the student feels comfortable. (Then later instead of having someone there all the time, having someone near by.) I know that can go for any student, but students without special needs will not need as much guided practice.
ReplyDeleteUsing technology for students with special needs is very benefical. It allows them to focus better on their assignments because it forces them to be more hands-on. For example, using a word prediction program will help those students that need help creating stories or essays. The students may still become frustrated, but the program will allow him or her to get his or her ideas out more freely. It will help them come up with ideas, and help them a great deal with spelling. Just having the ability to write for some is a huge accomplishment!
There are so many different kinds of technologies that help students with various needs. A common technology device I have seen used is an alpha smart. Many of my students, who struggled with their fine motor skills, for example holding a pencil, would use their alpha smarts to type up all of their assignments. They were able to hook their alpha smart up to the classroom computer and then print up the assignment that was due.
ReplyDeleteA simple piece of technology that is commonly used in classrooms is a listening device. Usually in reading centers students have a chance to listen to an audible story. Students in this center are able to listen to how words are pronounced and what fluent reading sounds like. Students can easily stop and rewind the tape if they missed something.
To use the technology successfully I think the most important thing for teachers to do is model how each technological device works. Students need time to practice using the technology, maybe with the help of a teacher standing by and then gradually students will hopefully be able to use the technology on their own.
I agree with Tessa that technology needs to be modeled and shown to every student so everyone has the same opportunity. BY introducing it to the entire class, no child will feel left out or different when using the technology. Technology is becoming more relevant in today’s classrooms. Technology can assist students with special needs with regard to literacy in many ways. Children can use computers to have books read to them to help them increase their vocabulary and fluency. With computers, you can always change the font size so the child with visual impairments will be able to read the text. You can get specific keyboard or mouse that suits your child. I have also seen boardmaker used to help students with their communication skills and helps them visually. Some students need accommodation in order to use technology effectively because some of the technology is difficult to use without proper instruction from the teacher. This means teachers need to know how to use every piece of technology they are bringing into their classroom and if they do not, they need to seek help from someone in the school who knows how to use the technology. Once children know how to use the technology that benefits them, they will be able to receive they extra assistance they need to become better learners.
ReplyDeleteTechnology can assist children with special needs. Books on tape or online books are a great option for students to read books that may be at a higher level or to practice their fluency. From this class, I have also learned about numerous technology programs that can assist children with literacy. One program I learned about was boardmaker, which can help students with communication needs. I was amazed to learn about modified keyboards and touch screens that can be used for children with special needs. The use of these technological devices allows all students to be successful.
ReplyDeleteTechnology can be used for all students, especially those with special needs in regards to literacy. However, not all of the technologies that are there for students work for every student. Teachers need to know what they have access to and try different technologies with different students until they find technologies that are successful. Smart boards as well as various computer programs may be beneficial like Jen said, but also, reading pens can help students with their vocabulary. Some students need accommodation in order to use technology effectively. Teachers can provide time to assist students with various technologies and also, they may have other students help as well. However, the most beneficial technologies would be technologies that students can utilize on their own and be just as successful.
ReplyDeleteThere are a number of assistive technology devices that could be used to help students with special needs regarding literacy. For example, the electronic book(e-book) it is a copy of an original book, but it adds multimedia effects that helps increase the student's understand of the content material. By using the e-book, the student's learning is scaffold through sound, animation,and activities, in which they might not be able to learn by themselves. In addition, the text-reader software such as Read and Write Gold software, while the text is being read, the same text is highlighted on the computer screen. The student is able to adjust the program to meet their special preference reading speed, gender voice and pitch. The student will need to be taught how to use the computer keyboard or mouse to use this software. The student will also listen to this through headphones or speakers, so if he or she is hearing impaired amplification accommodation will have to be made for him or her. If he or she is visually impaired, they would need to enlarge the text on the computer and the would need a keyboard with large letters on the keys. Then, there is the Cast eReader is another software that can be used by children of all ages. It allow them to read text they might not be able to read by themselves. The software take electronic text and read it to the students, while the actual text is highlighted for the students to follow. The software is setup to meet the needs of students with a wide range of disabilities.
ReplyDeleteTechnology can motivate those students who have special needs and struggle with reading, writing and communicating. There are items out there to assist a variety of different needs. Those with visual impairments might need to increase the font size on their computers or even use speech to text typing programs. Those with hearing difficulties may need the text to speech software so they can hear what is written on the screen. There are also students who can hear and see fine but would benefit from these programs as well as special keyboards or handheld devices to get through the day successfully.
ReplyDeleteStudents need training on all the different technological devices they are expected to use whether they have special needs or not. Also in order for things to run as smoothly as possible the teacher needs to be well educated on the programs and software.
I’m not a special education teacher, but I know that as a regular education teacher I will have many students in my classroom who might require modifications and assistive technology to benefit their individual academic and physical needs. I am in complete agreement with Sarah that technology does need to be simplified so the needs of more students can be fulfilled. Michelle talked about an assortment of accommodations some students need before they are able to utilize available technology successfully. I have not heard of many of the accommodations she mentioned in her blog: bookshare.org, one-hand keypad, a big mouse, a left-handed keyboard, or a no hands mouse. I’m sure by tomorrow there will be even more forms of assistive technology to add to the growing list the class has already mentioned...
ReplyDelete