Are assistive technologies really that important in a public school classroom? I would hope that anyone who has taught in any setting knows the importance of assistive technologies.
When I think about assistive technologies, often my first reaction is to students that have severe disabilities and are required, by law, to have accommodations. Some of those tools include, but are not limited to, iPads and/or iPods, headphones, text-to-speech products, videos, screen readers, and other software. However, most of us don't remember the gifted and talented students who also may require assistive technologies. Some of the technologies are the same as I previously mentioned, used in a different manner (Roblyer and Doering, 405). As a result, the budgets that are already stretched so thin, can be used for all students, not just those with 'disabilities'.
One of the most important aspects of a classroom is to help students feel successful. What better way to help students feel successful than to use the technologies available (a lot are free) to us to enhance their learning experiences, no matter which end of the learning spectrum a student is on?
Resources:
Morin, Amanda, Universal Design for Learning: What It Is and How It Works. Retrieved from https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/assistive-technology/assistive-technologies-basics/universal-design-for-learning-what-it-is-and-how-it-works.
Roblyer, M.D. and Doering, A. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching. 6th ed. United States: Pearson / Allyn and Bacon Publishers.
When I think about assistive technologies, often my first reaction is to students that have severe disabilities and are required, by law, to have accommodations. Some of those tools include, but are not limited to, iPads and/or iPods, headphones, text-to-speech products, videos, screen readers, and other software. However, most of us don't remember the gifted and talented students who also may require assistive technologies. Some of the technologies are the same as I previously mentioned, used in a different manner (Roblyer and Doering, 405). As a result, the budgets that are already stretched so thin, can be used for all students, not just those with 'disabilities'.
One of the most important aspects of a classroom is to help students feel successful. What better way to help students feel successful than to use the technologies available (a lot are free) to us to enhance their learning experiences, no matter which end of the learning spectrum a student is on?
Resources:
Morin, Amanda, Universal Design for Learning: What It Is and How It Works. Retrieved from https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/assistive-technology/assistive-technologies-basics/universal-design-for-learning-what-it-is-and-how-it-works.
Roblyer, M.D. and Doering, A. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching. 6th ed. United States: Pearson / Allyn and Bacon Publishers.