January 13, 2017

Volume 1, Issue 1

INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY
THE BENEFITS OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM
Modern technology is a common fixture in most homes and workplaces
today. It is used for communication and entertainment. People tend to rely on
the functionality of technology to connect to others and complete routine daily
tasks that might include paying bills or shopping. It has changed the way we
think, work and play. The importance and significance of technology is
recognized in society and has become a necessary and useful tool in everyday INSIDE THIS ISSUE
life. Benefits of technology ........................1
Examples of technology .....................2
Technology has also become mainstream in the classroom. It is important
Technology for special needs ..............2
to consider the effects of technology in education. According to Karenka Ramey
Assistive technology spotlight ............2
(2012) there are several reasons that integrating technology into the classroom
Assessing Assistive Technology ....3
proves to be important and beneficial for students. The reasons Ramey (2012)
Debunking Assistive Technology
noted are: easy access t0 educational material, student motivation, increase in
Myths .................................................3
participation, improves writing skills, subjects are easier to learn, and person-
The cost of Assistive technology..4
alized learning plans.

Donston-Miller (2013) states that websites, apps and devices are all availa- SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST
ble to help the teachers with instruction. Therefore, students can learn in new
What technology can provide for
ways. Providing the teacher has been trained and the tools are developmentally students in the classroom
appropriate, students can utilize a variety of personalized tools. The tools can Choosing technology for teaching
be used to promote student engagement, complete assignments and projects , and learning

and improve academic achievement. How assistive technology can help

students with special needs

Electronic worksheets

Assessing assistive technology

Assistive technology myths

Who pays for assistive technology

 TYPES OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM

Technology has already changed the dynamics of the classroom and will continue to shape the
way students learn in the future. Currently, there are many ways to incorporate technology into the
lesson. Each tool possesses a unique benefit for the teacher and students alike. Ramey (2012) mentions
seven ways to bring technology to the forefront allowing students to have many new and exciting ways
to learn.

Computers
Websites and blogs
Digital microphones
Mobile devices
Smart interactive whiteboards
Online media
Online study tools

Please visit http://www.useoftechnology.com for a detailed description of the technology listed above.

TECHNOLOGY FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION

ASSISTIVE
TECHNOLOGY
SPOTLIGHT
There are many ways to
accommodate special needs.
One way, is by using
electronic worksheets.
Students can benefit from
using this method because it
will eliminate the challenge
students face lining up
words or equations. This
software program will allow
text or numbers to show up
on the screen and can be
read aloud by a voice
synthesizer. Stanberry &
Raskind (2010) suggest
MathPad, MathPad Plus and
Math Talk for students who
are struggling with math.
Education for special needs students presents a different type of
challenge for the teacher, student and learning environment. There is a
range of assistive technology solutions to address students needs. Hayes
(2013) has described how assistive technology has expanded and improved
significantly within the last five years. According to Hayes (2013), todays
smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices have the option of allowing
assistive technology apps to be downloaded with easy access. Hayes (2013)
states that that this gives the schools the flexibility and ability to integrate
special needs students into the general education classroom.
Assistive technology is mainly used to enhance teaching and learn-
ing for developmental issues, communication and cognitive disabilities. The
use of assistive technology has been successful at motivating and engaging
students. Hayes (2013) mentions that students get positive reinforcement
from regular use that includes:
Achieving greater levels of independence and confidence
More willing to reach out to teachers and peers with questions

Self advocate

Challenging themselves and seek new opportunities

2
 Debunking the
Assistive Technology
Myths

It is important to understand
the role assistive technology
plays for students with learning
disabilities. Many times a gener-
alization is made about the use
of Assistive technology that isnt
true. Those who have experi-
ence working with assistive
technology or have a family
member who has used these
tools, know first hand how ben-
eficial they can be. Martin
(2015) lists seven common
myths:
Caption describing picture or graphic
1. AT gives LD students an
unfair advantage

2. Digital natives can teach

themselves the best ways
to use AT in school
ASSESSING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY 3. AT can replace good
teaching

4. In order to reach their

In order to achieve the desired outcome of using assistive technology, academic potential, LD
the initial process should determine which tools are a good match. It is students should use AT for
important to ask questions to gain a better understanding of the students everything
needs. Hayes (2013) mentions that the necessary questions should ask about
5. AT reduces students
the tasks the student has difficulties with, the students abilities and challenges motivation to give their
and the environment in which the student will perform these tasks. In the best effort
education field, Hayes (2013) states that these questions are referred to as the
SETT Framework Student Environment, Tasks and Tools. This was devel- 6. Adults with LD are too old
to start using AT
oped by an educator named Jay Zabala, Ed. D.
7. All technology is assistive
Assistive technology determination and assessment is a collaborative
technology
process that includes feedback from the student, family, school team and
other relevant professionals. If at any time academic progress isnt being
made , tasks change, or a student improves, a redetermination of needs may For a more detailed description
be made. of the myths listed above please
visit http://www.noodle.com

3
 WHO PAYS FOR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY IN A PUBLIC
SCHOOL?

My child may need assistive technology. How will I know who covers the costs of the tools or
devices that are needed? Millstone (2014) explains that this is how that process generally works.
When there is a concern that a student may need assistive technology in order to learn effectively, the
school and/or doctor needs to determine how much of a disability is present. If it is determined that
the students ability to learn is effected, the assistive technology will then be included in the IEP or
504 plan. Once the determination is made, any necessary tools or devices will be provided to the stu-
dent free of cost. If at anytime a repair is necessary, the cost of that is covered as well. However, if the
student moves the device is considered property of the supplying school district.

REFERENCE LIST
Donston-Miller, D. (2013). 10 tech tools to engage students. Retrieved January 15, 2017
from http://www.informationweek.com
Haven, S. (2016). Assistive technology assessment find the right tools. Retrieved Janu-
ary 21, 2017 from http://www.techpotential.net
Hayes, H. (2013). How technology is helping special-needs students excel. Retrieved
January 17, 2017 from http://edtechmagazine.com
Martin, J. (2015). 7 myths about technology explained. Retrieved January 21, 2017 from
http://www.noodle.com
Millstone, J. (2014) Who pays for assistive technology? parents or schools? Retrieved Janu-
ary 24, 2017 from http://www.understood.org
Ramey, K. (2012). Types of technology used in the classroom. Retrieved January 16, 2017
from http://www.useoftechnology.com
Ramey, K. (2012). Why is it important to use technology in the classroom. Retrieved Janu-
ary 14, 2017 from http://www.useoftechnology.com
Stanberry, K., & Raskind, M.,(2010) Assistive technology tools: math. Retrieved January 21,
2017 from http://www.greatschools.org

Bonnie Scarpino
ED501
Assignment 2