Blog Entry #4: Assistive Technology
A Reflection
For this post, I wanted to take some time to reflect on assistive technology. With teaching writing, I oftentimes have questions about assistive technology and what the latest reserch says. This is a place I would like to turn back to when I have questions or need research to back me up when I am supporting my students. The following video discusses and dispels five commonly held myths about assistive technology.
In class, we watched videos about different low tech and high tech assistive technology. I watched:
Joseph who discussed "Learning Ally" and "Bookshare." He talked about the pros and cons of each app and how they have helped him with his dyslexia.
Brody who discussed "Co-Writer" which is a word prediction program as well as the "LiveScribe Smart Pen" which allowed Brody to record his thoughts and return to them at a later time. Co-Writer helps take the stress away from spelling. LiveScribe records as you are taking notes. This allows students to go back to their notes, touch the pen to the paper where you wrote the notes, and play the recording of what was being said at that point in time. Students can also record themselves so they can remember something for later.
Jean uses apps on the IPad to help with her general education classes. She uses it for test taking and notes. She also uses the IPad for accessing the curriculum and pre-learning. In addition, she uses the iPad as a planner and for homework assignments. The IPad allowed her to have freedom and independence that she may not have had previously. I would have been interested to hear more about the specific apps, how it was all set up, and how it was organized.
What I am really interested in is the use of assistive technology for students that do not have any sort of IEP or 504. I have many students who do not necessarily qualify for disability services, but they need more support. I want to know what the most recent research says about this.