By Kristi Scherer

Using Technology in Special Education

Utilizing technology available to assist special education students with the help of information technology professionals. Tech. Cooperation Vital in Spec. Ed.

Ensuring that technology is appropriate for curriculum and is integrated into classroom to benefit special education students. Premises, Principles, and Processes for Integrating TECHnology Into Instruction

One technology product and the various ways it can aid a special education student.The Special Ways of Handhelds

Tech. Cooperation Vitalin Spec. Ed.

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, districts 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 Spec. Ed. Technologies

Adaptive Keyboards that can use pictures or symbols in place of letters.

Assistive-Writing Programs that complete words or sentences started by a student.

Eye-Gaze Technology allows student to use a computer using the movement of their eyes.

Interactive Whiteboards allow students to interact with the board, adding graphics, sound and video.

Screen Readers read words on the computer screen to students.

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

Voice Recognition systems accept voice commands so that student is not required to use a keyboard or mouse.

Switches can be used in place of a mouse and can be controlled using any part of the body.

My thoughts… 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.

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.”

By Margaret E. King-Sears and Anna S. Evmenova

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.

My thoughts… The 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; Leveraging 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.

My thoughts… 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.

Sources Cited

Davis, M. R. (2008, January). Tech. Cooperation Vital in Spec. Ed.. Educ Week, 24-29.

King-Sears, M. E., & Evmenova, A. S. (2007, September). Premises, Principles, and Processes for Integrating TECHnology Into Instruction. TEACHING Exceptional Children, 40, 6-14.

Gulchak, D. J. (2008, July). The Special Ways of Handhelds. District Administration, 44, 22-23. Retrieved December 3, 2008, from Professional Development Collection database.