Objective+7


 * Objective 7**
 * 1) Ability to select and support the use of instructional and assistive technologies and to integrate these into a coherent instructional design.
 * Documented by Concept Map of Learning Theories __and__ Assistive Technology Paper.

Link to your Concept Map on the Objective 4 page here.

Post your Assistive Technology paper here.

Objective 7

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Sonya Snow Technology and Education ED 505 February 13, 2013 Assistive Technology Technology in the classroom is a necessity to equip students for the future. The need for assistive technology for special needs students is even greater. With the inclusion classroom setting becoming more of the norm, students with special needs will need assistance to help them throughout the day. A disability is defined as “an impairment that limits an individual from performing an activity in a manner normally expected for human beings” (Roblyer and Doering, 2010, p. 408). In the next few paragraphs I will briefly describe how assistive technology can help students with disabilities in the classroom. Students with //mild disabilities// are individuals who have learning disabilities, emotional disabilities or students who are mentally impaired. These individuals may have trouble with reading, writing, math skills or recalling information. [|Audible] books are a good resource for students who have trouble reading. Following along while listening to a story enables students to hear the story while seeing the text. [|Starfall.com] is another resource for students who may have trouble reading. This website teaches phonics, letter recognition and blending of sounds. Those students with writing deficiency could use text to speech products such as [|Inspiration Software]. [|Kidspiration] is another resource that assists students with reading, writing, or math deficiencies. Individuals with //moderate to sever disabilities// should be taught skills that help them function in society. Personal hygiene, money management, securing assisted transportation and carrying out simple daily activities are areas that individuals with moderate to sever disabilities need to learn. [|Attainment Company] is a website that offers a variety of tools to assist individuals with daily functioning skills. [|Boardmaker Plus Software] is a tool that could help individuals who may need visuals to guide them throughout the day. This software allows you to print pictures that help with recall issues. Students with //physical disabilities// are individuals who have problems with mobility and agility. These individuals may have to use a joystick to maneuver a wheelchair or use [|communication devices] to help with speech impairment. Students with //sensory disabilities// are students who are hearing impaired or have loss of vision. These students may have to wear hearing aids to help with hearing. Students and teachers may also be equipped with [|FM Amplification Systems] to improve hearing in the classroom. //At-risk behaviors and situations// are not recognized as a disability “in the sense of the federal definition of disability” (Roblyer & Doering, 2010, p. 419). However, these students may need the same assistive technology as students with disabilities. At-risk students are students who show a lack of interest in school and are potential dropouts. The [|Boardmaker Plus Software] is a good resource for students who have difficulty remembering a schedule or tasks. At-risk students could print visual schedules for daily tasks. [|The Wet Leaf Software Study Aid] is an excellent tool that allows students to make flashcards for studying. This is ideal for students that have difficulty comprehending. [|Attainment Company] has many tools that help students with tasks that come easy for other students. [|WordRules] is a hands on tool that helps students with phonics. [|Pictures That Talk] is a tool that helps improve social skills. [|Talking Calculators] make math fun for students who have difficulties in math computations. All these tools would benefit students who are at-risk and have some form of learning impairment. //Gifted and talented// students are students who excel in areas such as art, creativity, specific academics and leadership. These students must be challenged in the classroom and teachers must go beyond the norm to help students in this area. Allowing the student to explore a topic in depth is one way to challenge a gifted and talented student. [|Wordpress.com] or [|Blogger.com] provide students with an outlet that allows them to create online projects. [|Glogster], [|Prezi], and [|Voicethread] are other resources gifted and talented can use. Some students who are gifted may have problems relating to other students. [|Social skills at School Software] and [|Social Skills on the Job Software Set] is software that helps students understand how to relate to other students. For the creative student who likes to think outside the box, the [|Paper by Fifty-three ipad app] is a creative way for students to express their ideas. Look around and you will find the appropriate assistive technology for each students personal needs. As a teacher I have learned one thing, all children are different. It is my job to reach each child where they are and get them where they need to be. I believe each student should be expected to reach his or her potential. Using assistive technology to reach your students will help them succeed.

Resources Roblyer, M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2010). //Integrating Educational Technology into// // Teaching // (5th ed., pp. 408-419). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.

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