Supporting Special Needs with Technology

Kristyn Rader FOED 3010

Assistive Technology

Any technology designed specifically for individuals with disabilities, includes add-ons to computer systems and stand-alone devices.

3 Major Types of Assistive Technology

• Instructional Technology – Device with capacity to support the teaching and

learning process

Examples-Videos, DVD’s and Educational Television

• Technology Tools• Hardware Devices or software programs or

applications that help students and teachers to accomplish educational tasks

Examples: Word processing, hand held electronics, Large Print Reader

• Assistive Technology

Designed specially for individuals with special needs

Examples: Hearing aids, talking books, audio outputtouch screen devises

Advantages of Technology in the Special Education Classroom

1. Technology allows individualization of instruction no matter the disability

2. Technology helps students with special needs by pass or compensate their disability.

3. Technology motives students not matter the disability 4. Technology allows more types of learning and new ways of accomplishing old task even with special needs.

Disadvantages of using Technology in Special education classrooms

• Students must learn how to use a computer and some may not be taught correctly

• Computer access and specialized computers could be limited

» Students may get frustrated trying to learn about computers or software programs » Some students may want to “play” instead of doing their work

Types of Technology for Special Needs

Technology in Special Education Classrooms - YouTube

Resources

• www.youtube.com• Teaching Students with Special Needs in General

Education Classrooms, Rena Lewis and Donald Doorlag