Assistive Technology in the Classroom. Session 3 Effective Implementation of Assistive Technology.

Assistive Technologyin the Classroom

Session 3Effective Implementation of

Assistive Technology

Presentation Agenda

Introduction to AT implementation

Implementation Scenerios

Steps for Effective Implementation

Conditions that Foster Implementation

Barriers to Effective Implementation

Team Roles

AT Implementation Resources

IntroductionEffective AT implementation can be a complex and lengthy process

Requires careful planning

Effective AT implementation is…based on student need and curricular goals

collaborative

systematic

recursive

flexible

AT AbandonmentCurrently a high rate of AT abandonment

Reported at 15 – 85%

Causes include…Inappopriate match of technology features to student and program need

Ineffective introduction of AT into student’s program

Poor or ineffective staff training

Missing or poorly established AT outcomes

AT abandonment can be avoided by taking time to develop and follow an AT Implementation Plan

Think about this…Have you seen cases of AT abandonment in your classroom or school?

What do you think caused the technology to fail?

What could have been done by the school team to achieve a better outcome?

Implementation Scenario I Keith – 12 year old with ASD

Difficulties with written output

Teacher selected laptop and Intellitalk II

Laptop was incompatible with school and took months to connect

No IEP goals identified and team did not receive any training prior to introducing AT to Keith

Team not able to reintroduce it – laptop was given to another student

Implementation Scenario II Caitlyn – 10 year old with CP

After thorough assessment, team determines need for support for written output

Based on OT recommendations, team conducts trials with computer and keyboards

AT selected based on results

Team trained on technology

AT introduced slowly and data gathered

Time was built into SEA schedule for planning, preparation, assessing and transitioning AT

Think about this…What was different?Brainstorm the differences between the two scenerios. Jot down all your ideas first and then group them – which of the differences related to the student, which to the technology, which to the environment and which to the team?

Effective AT Implementation Process

1. Gather relevant information

2. Establish IEP goals

3. Conduct AT trials

4. Identify AT solution

5. Develop Implementation Plan

6. Adapt lessons for AT integration

7. Follow up and plan transition

From: Making It Work (Introduction)

Break Time!

Session Activity

Watch the video showcasing Matt using Dragon Naturally Speaking (speech-to-text software)Matt and his TeamWhile watching – think about what his EA, Lori, needed to do to ensure Matt was successful

Conditions that Foster Effective Implementation

StudentMotivated and interested in the processFamily interested and supportive

TeamMotivated and collaborativeAble to articulate specific IEP goalsUnderstands the steps in an effective implementation planHas access to necessary training and resources

Conditions that Foster Effective Implementation

EnvironmentSchool administration is supportiveSchool or district IT department is supportiveSchool has appropriate physical spaceNecessary auxiliary or peripheral technology is in place

TechnologyFeatures match student needs and curricular goalsReadily available to studentMaintained in good working order

Barriers to ImplementationStudent

Not motivated or interested in the technology

Has not participated in the selection process

Has not been adequately prepared or trained to use technology

TeamDoes not have time to plan, prepare, or train for technology

Is not technically ready to implement technology

Not all team members involved in process

Does not have a comprehensive implementation plan in place

Is not aware or does not make use of available AT resources

Barriers to Implementation

EnvironmentNecessary auxiliary or peripheral technology not available

School administration not informed or supportive

Classroom setting inadequate

School or district IT department not involved

Necessary AT resources not available

TechnologyFeatures do not match student need or curricular goals

Does not function well in school environment

Too complex to be implemented in reasonable time

Watch this…You may be feeling a bit discouraged – it seems AT implementation is very challenging!

It can be challenging but the results can be life changing

Not convinced? Watch this video and see how some of the successful technology solutions took time and effort but how the patience and persistence of the individuals and the teams changed lives.

Assistive Technology: Enabling Dreams

Break Time!

Team RolesEffective implementation requires involvement of the entire school based team

Key members of the teamStudent and parents

Teachers – classroom, learning support, district support

Special Education Assistant

District Support Staff – OT, PT, SLP

School and District administration

Team should work collaboratively

Team requires a team leader to coordinate the implementation plan

Effective AT Implementation Resources

Wide variety of resources available on internetEmphasis has changed from AT selection to AT implementationChallenge is to find tools that work for the student and the teamCheck to see what AT implementation resources are being used at school or in the district

WATI TATN Minnesota NATRI Zabala SET-BC

Session ActivityWhat role will you play in AT implementation?Think about your current role – as an educational assistant – and consider what you can do in this role to actively support AT implementation in your classroom or school.

Look at each of the seven AT implementation steps and discuss how you will contribute to each step.

You can use the Seven Steps to Success Form! to write down your ideas

Discussion ForumIn your small group, you will be looking at your student’s profile and their daily activities so you can choose appropriate goals

Your discussion task is to decide on three IEP goals which can be met by using assistive technology

To think about…

The successful assessment and implementation of AT requires more than organizing a group of professionals with an interest in assistive technology and providing them with information on a variety of hardware and software. A cohesive AT team is one that is highly functional and effective in assessing needs, matching the appropriate solution and strategies to the student, providing support for the implementation and measuring outcomes of the implementation.

John Laskarzewski, Spotlight on Learning

Session Summary ActivityLink to Session 3 Summary Activity

Session 3 Summary Activity

Will be emailed to you after this session!

Any Questions?Ready to move on?