Transcript:
The theme for this week talks about how assistive devices and technology are helping educators provide students with access to the internet and its content.
When we discuss equitable access to information online, we need to focus on (1) providing all students with devices and (2) making sure that they have access to a reliable internet connection. Efforts on the part of school districts, government agencies, and private sector businesses have created programs that are equipping students with technology devices and reliable internet connectivity inside and outside schools.
Once this is achieved and every student has a device and a way to access information, it is up to the teacher to develop content that reaches all students. When teaching and engaging students with disabilities, finding alternatives to present and access information is the key. Technology software and hardware such as closed captions, speech-to-text, braille displays, screen readers, screen magnifiers, gesture-to-voice applications, head pointers, and other wearable technology allow students with disabilities to participate fully in lessons and classroom activities (Atanga et al., 2019). Looking toward the future, "AI smart classrooms and the use of the Internet of Things (IoT)" (Chambers, 2020, pg. 8) will allow assistive technology to become mainstream in classrooms and school culture, promoting inclusivity and collaboration between all students.
Atanga, C., Jones, B. A., Krueger, L. E., & Lu, S. (2019). Teachers of students with learning disabilities: Assistive technology knowledge, perceptions, interests, and barriers. Journal of Special Education Technology, 35(4), 236–248. https://doi.org/10.1177/0162643419864858
Chambers, D. (2020). Assistive technology supporting inclusive education: Existing and emerging trends. Assistive
Technology to Support Inclusive Education,
1–16. https://doi.org/10.1108/s1479-363620200000014001
Written Response to Classmates:
Shannon,
I agree when you say that assistive technology allows "teachers to provide an inclusive instruction experience" to all students. Assistive technology, both in software or hardware format, allows students with disabilities to participate in classroom activities and school life. Assistive technology, such as virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) equipment, gives students with disabilities a new way to engage with the learning material. From providing virtual spaces that reduce distractions and gloves that allow hand gestures to be translated to voice prompts to environments where risk-taking and mistakes are a part of the learning process, VR and AR technology allows students with disabilities to be actively involved in their learning process.
Shari,
Being aware and knowledgeable of all assistive technology available to students in your school district should be an important part of the teacher's yearly training. In today's schools, the number of students with an IEP and 504 keeps increasing. In some cases, using assistive technology to help students engage with content is necessary and part of their learning plan so being aware of local resources should be a priority. Of the technologies you mentioned, screen readers and braille typing devices are currently being used in our school, and watching how these devices give students with visual disabilities the ability to work independently with class content while keeping up with their peers is an amazing and very encouraging learning experience.
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