Within the last decade, technology has grown exponentially in and out of the classroom. How much or how little to integrate technology in the classroom is ultimately up to the teacher based on desired instructional strategies, access to technology, and classroom demographics. Studies have shown that while many teachers find using assistive technology beneficial when working with special needs students, they also lack the knowledge of specific integration strategies needed in order for students to effectively learn and benefit from the technology (Ogirima, Emilia & Juliana, 2017). One strategy offered by the Roblyer and Hughes text is the discussion steps teachers can take in order to select and evaluate technology apps for students with disabilities (Roblyer & Hughes, 2019, p. 319). Knowing that special needs students benefit from assistive technology is simply not enough; teachers need to be willing to grown their knowledge of strategies that can be used to effectively implement technology.
As defined by the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), assistive technology refers to, “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability” (Roblyer & Hughes, 2019, p. 314). In my student teaching placement, a student with a writing disability in my class used assistive technology to speak into a device that typed the words he spoke so that he would not have to write out his essays or lengthy answers to questions. The student was able to complete his assignment without frustration because he was able to articulate the answers he wanted much easier than if he had tried to write the assignment.
References
Ogirima, O. A., Emilia, O. O., & Juliana, O. B. (2017). Teachers’ attitude and competence in the use of assistive technologies in special needs schools. Acta Didactica Napocensia, 10(4), 21–32. Retrieved from https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=127320352&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Roblyer, M.D., & Hughes, J. E. (2019). Integrating educational technology into teaching: transforming learning across disciplines (8th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson.
Travel, Teaching, & Educational Technology 