Module 12 Reflective Post

Adaptive Technology Overview Summary:

                Computers can enhance the learning environment for all users, including users with disabilities.  While people with disabilities can use a computer there are limiting factors that can be seen like: access to electronic resources (spreadsheets, processors, etc.) and access to computer themselves (using a keyboard, mouse, etc.).  Adaptive technology can help assist these users to make navigating, using, and accessing computers a more beneficial experience.  There are a variety of hardware and software tools available to help assist users with disabilities.  The website gives us several examples and also shares instances of each in action.  People who are blind, for instance, can get locator dots on the keyboard for commonly used keys, Braille embossers, and even speech output.  Modifications similar to these can be made for all users with disabilities to help facilitate access to computers.

Assistive Technology Overview Summary:

                At the University of Washington, they have an organization “DO-IT” to help provide accommodations for students with disabilities when using technology.  The organization focuses on involving incoming students with disabilities, educators, and future employers in a common area to make technology more accessible and available to students with disabilities.  The website has several articles to share the importance of assistive technology, what it is, who it benefits, and how people can help.  There are also several examples of the ways assistive technology is currently being used by students, educators, and employers.  The videos available on the site show even more examples of the technology being used on campus, off-campus, or for work.  The DO-IT organization has developed a huge online resource bank for anyone to check out to learn more about assistive technology and the impact it has on students with disabilities.

Reflection:

                After reading the articles and watching some videos, it is apparent that assistive/adaptive technology is a great way to enhance the learning of students with disabilities.  It makes the technology more user friendly or provides a way for the student to access technology that wouldn’t be readily available without the assistance.  Currently, we use a program in my district to read any worksheet, article, book, etc. out loud for the student.  The high school uses it a lot and the elementary has had several students in the past who have used it as well.  I have given several math tests through this program, and it is great because it will read through the problem (story problems) and the student has time to focus on the math rather than spending 5 minutes reading and deciphering what the problem says.  The only negative about this program is that there is only one scanner that works for it and it does take a while to scan all the worksheets through, if it is in use, you have to check back at a later time, so it can be quite time consuming as an educator.  Although it does have some time commitment drawbacks overall it is a great tool that is available to us.