For me....it is amazing to think about the assistive technology that is available for individuals today. I thought the laptop was a great tool...and it is...it has its purpose...however, the iPad is afantastic device! The different apps designed for it is mind boggling and wonderful! Paperport Notes, Readiris, Panther Math....and many more! Knowing this device enables individuals to independently utilize a variety of apps, making their learning experiences in our diverse classrooms much more accessible and rewarding. What a gift?!!!
I can't imagine how students with LD felt about school and themselves prior to AT??? In the past, these students were the ones who were called to the back table to sit with teachers in order to get assigned tasks in the classroom completed. Sometimes, depending on the day...this opportunity was not doable...someone or something took the teacher's attention away from that student....and he/she sat at their desk with an assignment that they could not complete. These students were the ones who were disengaged...behavioural...and even worse, these students were the ones labeled by staff and/or parents as perhaps 'lazy and/or stupid'. 
If only these students had what is available today...an education system that is aware of the varying abilities, learning styles and needs within our diverse classrooms, a variety of AT tools that meet individual needs so that these students can demonstrate what they know and a society that is more educated about disabilities...more compassionate, more empathetic and accepting. Today, with AT and the spread of knowledge about various disabilities, opportunities for students who have a disability are endless! Barriers are being broken and society as a whole is reaping the benefits!
Now....I am not saying we are perfect. We still have work to do! But... we have come a long way!
Agreed, Angela! I'm absolutely looking forward to working with you on the LD presentation. I am also excited about using these apps with students. It will be interesting to hear the other presentations as well. I expect we'll find that the technology has brought us a long way to assisting all students in need, not only those with LD.
ReplyDeletethanks Angela! love your enthusiasm and insight into the benefit of this exciting Assistive Technology for students with LD! AND...there is more to come;)
ReplyDeleteAngela, awesome post regarding the benefits of Assistive Technology. I love your comment about breaking down barriers with the use of technology. Learning is becoming more accessible to ALL, but we still have a long way to go. I think master courses like the one we are enrolled in support Universal Design for Learning. We are becoming educated, we can implement the tools we have learned about, and we can educate others. We are breaking down those barriers together and what a rewarding experience.
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