I chose to read the article, Build an Assistive Technology Toolkit from Learning & Leading with Technology. This was written by Kelly Ahrens. She is a technology director for the East Providence School District in Providence, Rhode Island. She discusses different personalized and customized technology tools for people who have learning challenges or physical challenges. These tools are called assistive technology, which are free helpful tools people can use. They consist of tools that are helpful for people with challenges such as, visual impairments, finger challenges, reading challenges, and many other special needs.
This article is very important because people who have specific needs are able to still use technology because these tools accommodate to their own needs. This article taught me different functions of these customized technology tools that I did not know about. I think it is amazing that we have such customized tools, such as filter keys. Filter keys help the computer ignore repeated keystrokes so that students who tremble and hold down keys too long do not have issues with typing. After reading this article, I would like to know how teachers determine if their students need to use any of these personalized technology tools and how they figure out which one their students might need.
This article definitely educated me on what we can do with technology to help our students. As a future teacher, I think it is great that these technology tools can help students who are struggling or falling behind because of specific reasons. When I teach someday, I will definitely look into my students with specific needs being able to use these tools for help.
Ahrens, K. (2011). Build an assistive technology toolkit from learning & leading with technology. 22-24.
I agree that this article was very helpful with teaching students with disabilities. I would also like to use these tools in my future classroom. How do you think it would be possible for a student who is blind to benefit from computer technology and the tools provided in the article? Wonderful job!
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Thank you for teaching about filter keys! I had no idea that there was such a tool and I believe that it is such a great tool to use with this population. Does reading article and learning about assitive technology makes you want to use it in your classroom? Great detailed post!
ReplyDeleteI had never heard about filter keys either but what a fantastic tool! I find it fascinating how many tools are available for all types of learners and those with physical challenges as well. In an article I read, a student with limited hand and arm use had an instrument customized for him which allowed him to play in the school band. I thought that was impressive and a great way to include the student not only in education activities, but also extra curricular. I will definitely advocate for technology in the classroom when I am a teacher, not just for students in my class, but for students in all classes who could benefit from such technology. Great post!
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