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Assistive Technology

Assistive technology what is it? When I was first asked this question my answer was a computer because it help you type, a tape recorder because it allows you to record a memo or interview. An assistive technology is a device that helps you with a normal task like a computer does with typing. After going to the Kalikow center I realize that assistive technology is so much more. Assistive technology comes in so many different forms, it enable students to learn differently, assist students struggling find a new way, and most of all allows students to become more creative.

Assistive technology can really help a teacher make her classroom more inclusive tools like finish books allow students to listen to books much like an audio tape. But they are on the computer and allow the student to read the story with the audio as the words are highlighted. Another great feature is that they have comprehension questions and content questions. This tool can help a teacher because it also contains worksheets for students, so that a teacher doesn’t have to make one. By having more time teachers are able to come up with more ideas for students to do in the classroom at all different levels. Board makers are great because they are an alterative way for students to get oral presentations even it they have a hard time with written language. Board makers provide visual cues for the students so that they can still impress their peers and not feel so left behind. When students don’t feel left behind they have a high confidence and a more positive attitude.

A very important thing to consider when planning your classroom is Section 508. Section 508 is a government standard. Essentially its purpose is to enable people with disabilities access to technologies that can help them. This is important to be aware of as a teacher because in order to help your students you might want o be aware of some of the tools accessible for students with disabilities that can help then participate in class and learn. One of these really nifty tools is the Tango. The Tango allows students to type messages that are then read by the machine, as well as play standard greeting, messages, and questions. This enables student who may not be able to express them selves as well a way to do that. One really neat feature on the Tango is the digital camera built into it. Not only can students take pictures of things that interest them, it allows students to become special and soft after in the class. The other classmates will want to be apart of the new tool and as a result meet and talk, and hopefully befriend the student using it.

A really interesting assistive technology I found at Assistive Technology Training Online Project (ATTO) was a page turner. I wouldn’t think a page turner would be of much use but after reading about it I realized how much it can help a student. The student puts the book in the page turner and then has there hands free to point to the words as they read. They also now have a better position for reading, making it more comfortable to read. Lastly they no longer have to worry about then pages sticking together and wasting time struggling to turn the page.

I had never given thought to assistive technologies but after looking at all the different tools in the Kalikow center and looking online I am really interested. I can’t believe all the different kinds of things there are to help students learn who are having a difficult time. Another great thing about them is they don’t have to be just for students with disabilities they can be for anyone. They give students an entirely different way to learn and because of that students will be able to make connections that they might not have been able to make before.