Why is technology important when we

can do it in the natural way?

Technology can substitute or compensate for the lack of natural function. This is important for all people with disabilities and has a particular importance in education. (ICT, UNESCO)

Using Technology in Special Education

Utilize technology that is available to assist special education students with the help of information

technology professionals.

Ensuring that technology is appropriate for curriculum and is integrated into classroom to benefit special

education students.

One technology product and the various ways it can aid a special education student.

Technology Cooperation Vital

in Special Education It is important that information-technology specialists,

assistive-technology specialists and special education teachers and coordinators work together to maintain a technology system that is up-to-date and appropriate for the special education students.

According to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, schools are required to include consideration for assistive technology when developing a student’s individualized education program.

When proper communication is maintained between all concerned parties, the student can better benefit from the many technological aids available to them.

By Michelle R. Davis

Examples of Special Education Technologies

Touch Screens allow students to use computer without using a mouse or

keyboard.

Switches can be used in place of a mouse and

can be controlled using any part of the body.

Adaptive Keyboards that can use pictures or

symbols in place of letters.

Interactive Whiteboards allow

students to interact with the board, adding

graphics, sound and video.

Eye-Gaze Technology allows student to use a

computer using the movement of their eyes.

Assistive-Writing Programs that

complete words or sentences started by a

student.

I was fascinated to learn of so many assistive technology

products available. While many of them are intended for

students with special needs, some could benefit a typical

learner as well. I think that the interactive whiteboard is

very cool and could be captivating to audiences of all ages.

Special education teachers need to know what software is

available in their school system. There may be something

that could assist a student that they had not even

considered.

According to Michelle R. Davis. . .

Premises, Principles, and Processes for Integrating TECHnology Into Instruction

“For some students with disabilities, technology is necessary so that they can

receive information, practice it, and express what they know.”

Four Principles for Integrating Technology Into Education

Choose technology that aligns with the curriculum outcomes, ensuring that it promotes learning.

Match the students’ instructional needs appropriately with the technology that is available.

Utilize technology that will help the student blend with their peers.

Be prudent when choosing the technology to be used, taking into consideration efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Use TECH to Integrate Technology

Target the students’ needs and the learning outcome.

Examine the technology choices, then decide what to use.

Create opportunities to integrate technology with other instructional activities.

Handle the implementation, and monitor the impact on the students’ learning.

One article mentioned that, “Technology used well in schools can prepare students with disabilities for careers that require some level of aptitude with technological skills.” I found this interesting, having never before considered all of the time a student spends using technology that is necessary for his/her education as also experience with that technology. When a student with special needs is familiar with various assistive technology items, it gives them knowledge and experience that they may use later as a professional.

The Special Ways of Handhelds; The power of technology to help special

needs students succeed.By Daniel J. Gulchak

Handheld devices give students with special needs the ability to access tools and data that they need anytime, anywhere.

With handheld computers, students with special needs can :

-create essays-create spreadsheets and PowerPoint

presentations-read an eBook-take pictures and videos-beam projects and assignments to peers or

teachers

Handhelds can also help special needs students by….

helping students stay on task by self-monitoring.

allowing students to self-correct their work. Using alarms to remind students to attend

special classes or to take medications. Using calendars to help students organize

and recall assignment instructions and due dates.

Any student can benefit from using a handheld device to help them organize their school work.

Handheld devices could also make it easier for teachers to give instructions, as well as reducing their workload of grading homework.

Handheld devices can empower special education students by helping them to become more independent.

Conclusion: Technology is a very important tool students

need to be familiarized with early on in their education

It is just as important that teachers are educated and comfortable with the technology they are using

There are many ways that computers can be used for various types of learning and achieve multiple curriculum goals

Teachers can also use technology to become better educators and share ideas