Effects and Outcomes of Assistive Technology for Students with Learning Disabilities Introduction The conversation I hear among some teachers and parents regarding the use of assistive technology include the following complaints on limitations and disadvantages; the negative affects using technology has on students' attention span, seeing technology as entertainment and not as a tool to learn, the cost of technology, students relying too heavily on it, and that teacher training is time-consuming. Assistive technology is a tool used to help improve function in areas such as communication, mobility, relationships, education, and self-care. Types of assistive technology more related to students with learning disabilities range from
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Teachers must be mindful when making decisions about appropriate devices to ensue the best option is chosen for a student to maximize their potential. Integrating assistive technology within the classroom creates a sense of belonging. Students are more motivated to complete assignments. Foster virtual learning communities. Students using assistive technology are gain construct their own learning. Supervise the children to make sure needed modifications are made to reflect the changing abilities on going process. Assistive technology such as, a tape recorder to play audio for a student with reading disability or a data manager to store information like appointments and reminders for students with memory difficulties, can be one way to lessen frustration and difficulty. Adebisi et al. (2015) made a point that without the independence that assistive technology can create "relying on others might slow transition to adulthood and lower self …show more content…
However, lack of teacher training in assistive technology often leaves teachers feeling unfamiliar with the technology and lack confidence in their knowledge of assistive technology in order to integrate it into their curriculum. Because assistive technology gives students with disabilities access to curriculum in a variety of ways, teachers must be better qualified to meet the needs of a diverse population. Therefore, current teachers should attend professional development conferences geared towards infusing assistive technology. For new teachers entering the field, universities should add more courses to include not just basic assistive technology but also how to apply assistive technology. Fortunately, I work in a district where funds aren't as difficult to come by but I am remind of schools that lack funding; possibly leaving them unable to provide appropriate assistive technology that could potentially maximize a students ability to learn. Technology is changing how people manage their lives. A question for further research would be: How are educators being prepared for a new learning
Teachers must be mindful when making decisions about appropriate devices to ensue the best option is chosen for a student to maximize their potential. Integrating assistive technology within the classroom creates a sense of belonging. Students are more motivated to complete assignments. Foster virtual learning communities. Students using assistive technology are gain construct their own learning. Supervise the children to make sure needed modifications are made to reflect the changing abilities on going process. Assistive technology such as, a tape recorder to play audio for a student with reading disability or a data manager to store information like appointments and reminders for students with memory difficulties, can be one way to lessen frustration and difficulty. Adebisi et al. (2015) made a point that without the independence that assistive technology can create "relying on others might slow transition to adulthood and lower self …show more content…
However, lack of teacher training in assistive technology often leaves teachers feeling unfamiliar with the technology and lack confidence in their knowledge of assistive technology in order to integrate it into their curriculum. Because assistive technology gives students with disabilities access to curriculum in a variety of ways, teachers must be better qualified to meet the needs of a diverse population. Therefore, current teachers should attend professional development conferences geared towards infusing assistive technology. For new teachers entering the field, universities should add more courses to include not just basic assistive technology but also how to apply assistive technology. Fortunately, I work in a district where funds aren't as difficult to come by but I am remind of schools that lack funding; possibly leaving them unable to provide appropriate assistive technology that could potentially maximize a students ability to learn. Technology is changing how people manage their lives. A question for further research would be: How are educators being prepared for a new learning