Using technology in the classroom is becoming more and more prevalent. Close to all classrooms use a Smart Board, computer, iPad to aid in instruction. Along with technology on the rise, so are fully inclusion classrooms. In the past, special education classrooms have been secluded from their peers in school. School system are slowly implementing inclusion for all classrooms. Although many teachers have tons of experience in teaching with technology, they may not have experience in working with special needs students in the classroom. In some cases, special needs student may need assistive technology in order to thrive in the classroom. Below are a few links that include tips in using assistive technology in the classroom.How to Help Teachers Integrate Assistive Technology
Help Students Fully Succeed in the Classroom Using AT
Technology Tips and Resources
I've been listening to divided camps in educational circles for a while on the cost/benefit analysis attending inclusion. On the plus side are socialization benefits for everyone and real, positive academic impact for those with special needs. The negative is an old refrain, that the accelerated learning students aren't having their needs met in that environment, academically, and that they don't and can't meet their potential in a classroom where the mean is encompassing students far outside their developmental stage.
ReplyDeleteAnd results from a few studies, including an Early Childhood Longitudinal Survey-Kindergarten released in 2016 indicate there is some negative impact attending full inclusion for advanced students, at least where behavioral and emotional issues are involved. And while it appears to be a concern with some teeth, maybe technology is the key to overcoming that negative. Perhaps it is the means to produce the best possible world, where social and emotional gains for everyone can be produced without sacrificing any academic potential for students at varying levels of academic proficiency. It's certainly there in potential, where educational programs are increasingly available to meet individual students at their ability level and move forward at a pace commiserate with their growth. I hope that's the case. It makes a fundamental sort of sense.
Here's the link to the noted study findings and a general examination of the problem: http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2016/09/07/studies-flag-potential-downside-to-inclusion.html
Thank you so much for that link. I hope that by shedding light on the subject of inclusion will help people who are reluctant open their eyes and see that there are real benefits for all involved. Not only for the students, but for teachers expanding their experiences as well. I do agree that students who are advanced, and students who are function lower are impacted negatively, as both groups learning is hindered. I agree that by including technology can overcome the negative. It gives the students more opportunity to have learning catered to their specific needs.
DeleteI enjoyed reading about how to help teachers integrate assistive technology in classrooms. I love that Tracy Gray of the American Institutes for Research stated that the best way to get all teachers knowledgeable about assistive technology is through professional development. I think that a lot of teachers are reluctant to assistive technology in their classrooms because they are not fully trained on how to implement those tools. I think that if each school implemented a different assistive technology tool into their monthly teacher meetings that more teachers would feel more comfortable and knowledgeable on how to help those students with assistive technology.
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree with professional development in this area. Even if you are a general educator you will have student with special needs who may require assistive technology. It is a crucial area that all teachers need more knowledge and practice in.
DeleteThank you for posting some useful resources, Meagan. As you correctly pointed out, modern assistive technology is still a gray area for many teachers. We'll have a whole Unit devoted to it at the end of the course and I hope you'll be our Student-on-duty in the Student Lounge at the time to assist your classmates with related issues. AZ
ReplyDeleteI would love to be able to assist in that area!
DeleteAssistive technology in the classroom for students with disabilities can be super helpful! However, I have learned that most of my students prefer the technology provided for their peers over an individualized source. I am a second and third grade resource teacher and have noted that my students are slowly starting to realize that what they might be doing is "different" than other students. Most of my students that feel this way have a learning disability or other health impairment. This is not to say that assistive technology is not beneficial. It really just depends on the individual that will be using it. Thank you for the helpful links!
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