Technology in Inclusive Classrooms

 

Technology in Inclusive Classrooms

Technology in special needs and inclusive classrooms have become relevant to the everyday task of differentiated instruction. Over the years, it has been proven to improve the way how students are able to learn and respond in the educational setting. Like other students, technology affords children with disabilities opportunities to access and achieve their full potential. This is according to the educational standards which speaks to no child being left behind. Special technology allows the students to work at his or her own pace without the constant need for involvement by the teacher. Learning Industry proposes, “Implementation of technologies in special education allows simplifying the communication and improve the academic skills of students with disabilities”. The University of Cincinnati states, “Edmentum, a company with deep expertise in the creation of eLearning solutions, notes the following advantages of using technologies in special education”:

“Technology makes it possible for a classroom to be enhanced with individual learning events, allowing instructors to provide greater flexibility and differentiation in instruction. Teachers can use technology to offer a variety of learning opportunities and approaches that engage, instruct, and support special education students with a myriad of tactics designed to appeal to individual learners. No longer are students stuck in a classroom they don’t understand, trying to learn at a pace they can’t keep up with or participate in”.

Students with disabilities need Assistive Technology (AT) to assist them to communicate, learn and generally function better in the classroom. Dr. Richard Nyankori, deputy chancellor for special education at the District of Columbia Public Schools posits, AT breaks through the barriers of academic success and future employment opportunities. The most widespread AT platform is a mobile device, like smartphones and tablets. They are transportable, they have touchscreens that make them more accessible for people to use, and they have cameras that can make interaction simpler for some individuals. Assistive technology range across three levels, from low-tech strategies, mid-tech strategies to high-tech strategies. Therefore, it is very important to learn the child that the correct assistive technology can be utilized to assist the child in the classroom. Where possible, it is always best to have dialogue with the parent and any medical practitioner who is responsible for the care a child with a different ability as no two children are alike. For children who are not diagnosed research into the various characteristics being displayed is also helpful if a teacher is to try to meet the need of a particular child. In this blog I seek to explore a strategy that will work well with students who have learning difficulties, are autistic and have Down Syndrome. These groups are students are being catered to since I have the pleasure of being exposed to these described students in my inclusive classroom.