Assistive Technology in the Classroom Setting Rebecca Puckett CAE6100 – 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 Skills Cognitive 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 ProcessCognitive 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.

Art Art 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. 3 rd ed. St. Louis, MO.