Describe issues related to training special education teachers to use technology.
Technology in every area continues to change at a rapid pace, special education is no exception. Keeping up with new technology to assist students instructionally is a dynamic task. New technology is available continually and student needs are unique and must be considered on an individual basis. Children who need assistive technology may require several trial and errors with different devices, programs or strategies before one is found to fit the specific needs of the individual student. This could be a time consuming process. The knowledge on how to use technology and the training that is required may be beyond a teacher’s realm of competency. Support in the area of technology is often limited.
Give examples of no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech solutions for special students.
No- tech solutions would include teaching a child to use their body in a different way to achieve the goal. Roblyer’s example was to teach one-handed typing. No-tech solutions also may include a change in the environment. Preferential seating could be a no-tech solution, if the child has a mild visual impairment and needs to be closer to where information is presented. Low-tech assistive technology solutions include non-electrical devices or solutions. Examples of low-tech solutions include enlarged pictures or text, communication boards, highlighters, pencil grips, slant boards, etc. No-tech and low-tech solutions require “thinking outside the box” to find an answer to the access needs of students. High-tech solutions would include voice output communication devices, electrical wheelchairs, specialized keyboards, touch screens, etc. The problem with high-tech is the cost. Creative funding may be necessary to make sure that students receive the assistive technology that they are entitled to. Evaluation of assistive technology in an ongoing process.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I agree that cost reamains a huge issue in special education, especially this week in light of how many teachers will be cut out of the NE district, along with a change in high school scheduling to save 6 million additional instructional dollars.
ReplyDeleteI am unfamiliar (ie new to teaching) about if money for accommodations comes from district or federal funds.
On the flip side of the story, I saw a great presentation on the dynabox last night for non-communicative students. It is pretty awesome that a 15 year old autistic student that could not communicate at all within a week has a vocabulary off 10 words (and growing by the day) ti communicate with his family who has never been able to communicate with him. The presentation stated the device was "affordable" and I am curious what that meant.
Why is that funding the number one reason for issues with technology. You would think that the government would stop bailing out companies with millions of dollars so that they can continue to remain and continue to screw up. That money needs to be in schools so teachers can effectively teach the future of our society. We need to properly give our teachers the training to effectively give the special education population a leg up with technology which they have not had in the past. The teachers need to provide services with technology. When will funding no longer be the cause of insufficient or inadequate services for the special education or for that matter school in general?
ReplyDelete