Assistive Technology in the Classroom Setting Rebecca Puckett CAE6100 – GQ1 (24494) Dec. 7, 2009.

Assistive Technology in the Classroom Setting

Rebecca PuckettCAE6100 – GQ1 (24494)

Dec. 7, 2009

Technology

• Technology-enhanced performance- the use of all technologies (assistive & instructional)

• Assistive technology- aspects of technology that are matched to an individual need or goal

• Educational technology- technology intended to aid in learning

Educational Activities

• Reading

• Writing

• Mathematics

• Science

• Music

• Art

Reading

Motor Skills

Sensory SkillsCognitive Skills

Motor Skills

• Problems:Acquiring reading materials, positioning and manipulative tasks (turning the pages, picking up a book)

• Solutions:Electronic media with the use of a mouse or keyboard to scroll through text, highlight text, search for topics or print out documents.

Sensory Skills

• Problem:There must be a sufficient visual field, visual acuity and oculomotor functions to scan text and to recognize letters and words.

• Solution:If visual systems cannot support function, alternatives forms can be used instead. (tactile-Braille or auditory-speech)

Cognitive Skills

• Problem:

Word identification, spelling and comprehension components.

• Solution:Educational software including programs that

the student can control, multiple output modes,

interactive stories and on-line books.

Writing

Motor Skills Sensory Skills

Motor Skills

• Problem:

Acquiring reading materials, positioning, and manipulative tasks (turning pages, picking up book).

• Solution:

Mouse or keyboard entry and automatic speech recognition.

Sensory Skills

• Problem:

Being able to monitor what is being written.

• Solution:

Use technology that incorporates visual, auditory and tactile monitoring.

Cognitive Skills

• Problem:

Needed skills include language, spelling, letter recognition, grammar and sequencing.

• Solution:

Programs that provide visual and auditory feedback, word prediction, spell checkers and concept mapping software.

Mathematics

Physical Process Cognitive Process

Physical Process

• Problem:

Few people can develop mathematical skills without some visual representation.

• Solution:

The use of an AAC device to instruct aides who will scribe and the use of manipulatives to help with precursor skills.

Cognitive Process

• Problem:To be able to manipulate numbers and to solve routine and novel problems (counting, telling time, making change, understanding real life situations).

• Solution:Educational software that focuses on drill and practice and concept development, through the use of computer graphics, games and word problems.

Science

Science activities are both theoretical and experimental.

Concepts & Skills

• Problem:

Hands-on experimentation my be limited and the use of physical objects and laboratory experiments may not occur.

• Solution:

Computer simulation of experimental situations and virtual reality software allow students to experience science experiments without manipulating physical objects.

Music

Music instruction involves basic

rhythm and group participation.

Music Appreciation

• Problem:

Learning musical instruments and exploring sounds.

• Solution:

The use of a musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) that can be used on a computer to aid in digitized speech and store musical sounds.

ArtArt activities help students develop fine motor control, gain an understanding of

shapes and colors and provide a creative order for students.

Art Appreciation

• Problem:

Lack of fine motor skills for drawing or coloring.

• Solution:

Computer software that is able to produce graphical outputs, drawing programs, photo editors and digital cameras allow easy manipulation of images.

Summary

• It is important to determine the skills and abilities that the learner brings to the process of determining the role of assistive technology in the classroom.

• Each child is unique in their own individual learning style.

Reference

Cook, A. & Hussey, S. (2008). Assistive Technologies: Principles and Practice. 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO.