With the increasing use of technology, access to curriculum has improved for students, including those with learning exceptionalities. Identifying student needs early on, and providing them access to technology can make a world of difference and create greater equity in the classroom.
We acknowledge that learning environments are often not equitable, with many contributing factors (beyond the classroom) that educators have no control over. Technology may be a way to bridge this gap for students, who otherwise would struggle to meet the day to day expectations in their classroom. Technology can play a huge role in meeting students where they are at by considering design factors that support visual, kinesthetic, auditory and interpersonal learning styles (just to name a few).
Technology in the classroom should be used to improve the learning experience for all students. It should allow students opportunities to access the curriculum in a way that is meaningful to them. The definition of assistive technology applied to education is an extremely broad one, encompassing “any item, piece of equipment, or broad system whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” (Behrmann, M. 1998.) https://www.edutopia.org/assistive-technology-young-children-special-education. While learning about how technology can be used to support student learning needs, it is also important to learn how the technology works itself. While technology should not replace the learning of a task itself, it should help with a student's unique learning needs.
· Creates ease of use and access of learning materials
· Makes learning more time-efficient
· Creates less costly alternative measures for learning
· Supports diverse needs and learning challenges
· Individualized instruction
· Provides opportunities for Self-Determination (choice-making, problem solving, self-monitoring, decision making, goal setting and self-advocacy skills)
· Meets students where they are at by providing a multitude of entry points
· Supports communication, expression of ideas and information sharing
· Supports language development (acts as great mediator for non-verbal students)
· Supports to solidify and reconcile understanding of concepts
· Bridges gaps of disparity (attempts to create educational equity)
Despite the opportunities that technology provides, the accessibility dilemma continues to exist. How do we ensure that digital courses and tools are fully accessible to all students? School Districts often invest in the “next best thing”, when it comes to digital tools, however how do we make sure it is accessible to all? Purchasing new technology is costly and it changes frequently, therefore there are many considerations such as the amount of time and money that is invested, all which affect the outcome of access. As Eric Moore, a UDL and accessibility specialist at the University of Tennessee put it, “I have not yet found a digital tool that replaces human knowledge and experience when it comes to accessibility.” It is important to recognize what assistive technology can do to support the needs of diverse learners; it is also important to recognize that it is not a stand-alone solution. It is something that should support and enhance the learning experience, not replace it.