Using Assistive Technology In The Classroom

Technology is becoming more integrated into our society, there is no way we can escape it. In order to keep up with today's world we must learn how to use these technological devices. Technology is becoming more integrated in today's classroom because it serves as a great tool to help students develop reading, writing, and other skills which they need to become a successful person. Many students benefit from the use of technology in the classroom, especially those with learning disabilities. Teachers are now using what we call assistive technology which is a device and software that assists a student with learning disabilities.

It is important to understand that assistive technology will not cure a learning disability, but it will help the student work around his challenges. Some of the tools used as assistive technology are:
Audio Players and Recorders- This helps a student that struggles with paying attention and taking notes by making him able to record a lesson and listening to it again at home. Also it gives the student the opportunity to listen to the words as he reads them on the page.
FM Listening Systems- Frequency modulation systems help the student by reducing the amount of noise around him, and amplifying what the teacher is saying. The teacher has a microphone attached to a speaker or a personal receiver worn by the student. This can help students with hearing problems, and students that have a hard time paying attention in class.
Writing Supports- Computers that have a basic word processing program can help a student with spelling and grammar issues.
Visual Aids- This type of support helps students with visual difficulties access information. This may include text on tape, magnifiers, large book prints, braillers, and talking computer software.

There are other assistive technology tools that can be used in the classroom to help a student learn, communicate or simply function better.

These tools can be useful in my classroom, because most of them can be used by students that don't have a severe learning disability. Many students get distracted during class, so I can use the FM listening system to help them concentrate, and pay attention to what I am saying. Students that don't have a learning disability can also benefit from writing supports, audio players and recorders, and visual aids. Assistive technology isn't only for students with a learning disability, it is for any student that needs assistance or guidance.

References:
How do special education students benefit from technology? Retrieved on October 11, 2015.
June 1, 2014 Assistive Technology: Tools That Help With Learning Retrieved on October 11, 2015.
Assistive Technology Devices Retrieved on October 11, 2015.

How Does Technology Help in the Classroom?

RELATED TAGS: Technology Integration The Need of Technology in a Classroom

Now a days technology is being an important factor in a child's learning. As we advance in the 21st century, technology is becoming more and more integrated into our society. Some of the technological tools that are being used in today's classrooms are- calculators, tablets, smart boards, video cameras, digital cameras, Portable Digital Assistance (PDAs), projectors, and computers.

One of the benefits of using these tools in a classroom is that it can save a big amount of time when it comes to looking up information about a specific topic. This aspect helps keep students focused on a project much longer than they would with books and paper resources, it also helps them develop a better learning thanks to the research and exploration they're doing online. Another benefit of using technology in the classroom is that it makes students more excited to learn, and it's preparing them for the future. By learning how to use technology students will develop skills that are essential for the 21st century.

I still remember when I was in elementary school how my teachers would use the old chalkboards, and as time passed little by little technology was being introduced in the classroom, white boards replaced the chalkboards, overhead projectors were being introduced as well as computers, and in today's classrooms digital projectors replaced the overhead projectors, smart boards are replacing whiteboards, at the college level every student has his own digital device whether it's a phone, a tablet, or a computer that will help him complete his academic activities.

In my classroom I plan to have a balance with the use of technology, the use of books and the use of paper resources. The use of technology in the classroom is beneficial as long as it's not overused. Students need to develop reading and writing skills as well rather than just knowing how to use a digital device.

References: 
(2013, October 8) Technology in the Classroom- The Benefits of Blending Learning. Retrieved on September 13, 2015. 

Edutopia team (2015, September 10) Why Integrate Technology into the Curriculum?: The Reasons Are Many. Retrieved on September 13,2015. 

(2015, September 13) Using Technology in the Classroom. Retrieved on September 13,2015.