Module 4 - Teaching and Learning with Technology in Special Education
Technology in education is not simply computers, iPads, interactive boards, and websites. This is often what General Education teachers think of when technology is brought up; however, when Special Education teachers hear this word many different types of technology come to mind. Some of these are text-to-speech products, text enlargement devices, and joy sticks to operate wheel chairs (Robyler, 2016, p. 411-412).
Advantages of Integrating Technology
Special Education teachers have to be aware of both assistive technology and instructional technology (Robyler, 2016, p. 407). Both types are shown in this video. By watching this video, I am so much more excited to start in special education and use technology in every way. By using different types of technology, these otherwise silent kids get to have a voice. They told us how much easier doing assignments, learning, and speaking are with these types of technology.
Disadvantages of Integrating Technology
"As computers became a commonplace in schools, individuals with disabilities encountered access problems" (Robyler, 2016, p. 405). The students in special education can sometimes be discouraged when they are not able to use the technology that other students use in the Gen Ed classroom. The students in special education classes are also very diverse in their disabilities. This means that many different types of technology have to be bought to accommodate everyone.
Specific Activities, Programs, etc.
Through the reading in "Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching" by M. D. Roblyer, I learned about ULD or Universal Design for Learning. This piece of legislation that shows the importance and need for technology to be available to students of all educational levels. This not only provides different types of technology to students but also more ways to engage students with technology (Roblyer, 2016, p. 405).
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ReplyDeleteThe video you posted on UDL is very insightful! UDL seems beneficial for all students which is awesome! According to the text, "Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching", we can learn more about UDL, by visiting the National Center on Universal Design for Learning (Roblyer, 2016, p. 405).
ReplyDeleteAssistive technology can be a crucial factor when dealing with the educational and social development of students with disabilities. "Assistive technology devices and services enhance the performance of individuals with disabilities by enabling them to complete tasks more effectively, efficiently, and independently than otherwise possible" (Roblyer, 2016, 407). While regular classroom technology can be considered a luxury assistive technology can almost be considered a necessity when it comes to the education of children with special needs.
ReplyDeleteThe video you posted under advantages of integrating technology involved the student's viewpoint and explained well how it benefits them. According to the text, "Integrating Education Technology into Teaching", the push for "web accessibility" has made technology easier to use for all of its users (Roblyer, 2016, p. 405). I believe technology is essential to have in the classroom if any student at all struggles in any area of learning.
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