Video Discussion Thread Assistive Technology

Video Discussion Thread: Assistive Technology 

 

Cody Hagar 

Technology Practices for Instructional Improvement (B08), Liberty University 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author Note 

Cody Hagar 

I have no known conflict of interest to disclose. 

Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Cody Hagar 

Email: cahagar@liberty.edu 

It is important to meet the needs of all the learners in the classroom no matter their circumstances and needs. With the development of technology over the years, it has made great strides and allows multiple accommodations no matter the child or how they can learn. Students who struggle with academics can utilize a wide range of programs to help incorporate themselves with the general class setting. We must understand that every student should be given the opportunity to have access to technology that is presented before us.  

With increased access to such websites students are given more of an opportunity to gain knowledge for possible future endeavors. Students with Visual impairments can utilize technology with magnifiers, screen readers, laptops with screen readers, and audio materials. This would modify the learning situation for the student and maintain the same level of understanding as the general classroom. “Providing suitable magnifiers, for instance, that are available for use at the Centre for Preparatory Studies of Sultan Qaboos University, helps low vision students “learn better and faster.” (Siyabi et al., 2022). This will assist and make learning less complicated for select students.  

Another use of technology can be by incorporating robots for students with severe motor issues. This allows robots to help students navigate the classroom and assist in activities. “The researchers design tasks to develop the skills required to participate in a regular classroom. When the student either, grew bored, frustrated, or master the task, they would move on to a new task.” ( Zilz et al., 2021,pg. 3). There are many more different ways beyond these two when incorporating technology, it's just gaining a better understanding and involving the students that need it the most. 

 

References 

Al Siyabi, J., Tuzlukova, V., Al Kaabi, K., & Hadra, M. (2022/11//). Assistive Technology in the English Language Classroom: Reality and Perspectives. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 13(6), 1203-1210. https://doi.org/10.17507/jltr.1306.08 

Zilz, W., & Pang, Y. (2021). Application of assistive technology in inclusive classrooms. Disability and Rehabilitation, 16(7), 684–686. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2019.1695963