Reflection Question: Chapter 6, Prompt 1 Consider how technology has helped you to be productive and complete tasks. Examine the physical requirements for using your favorite technologies. How might physical disabilities hamper your use of those preferred technologies and impact your personal productivity. As a teacher, what can you do to mitigate these challenges for students with special needs. Technology is a crucial aspect of both my personal and professional life. I rely heavily on various technologies to get my job done, as well as to stay organized. Universal inputs to the technologies I use most frequently are the mouse, keyboard, and voice controls. All of these could create an issue with someone who has a physical disability. Voice recognition can be impacted by a speech impediment, English as a second language, or other disability. Many students can't use a keyboard or mouse and would need a workaround or other options to use these tools. Diversity in the classroom and among students learning needs is an issue that all teachers at all grade levels must recognize and address. Included are special learning needs, culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD), and talented and gifted (TAG) students. Technology can be a powerful tool to address this multitude of individual and often complex learning needs. It can enable teachers so that they are successful, and the learning process becomes more effective. Teachers can use the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines as a starting point to consider their students' needs. Other resources for the teacher include the University of Washington's Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology (DO-IT) project, which was developed to offer an online library of resources and tools. The Learning Center for Teachers of the Center for Implementing Technology in Education (CITEd) offers help that is focused on the diverse learner and to enable them universal access. The National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) focuses on media. The National Association for Gifted Children offers resources geared towards TAG students. CLD students provide a unique challenge, and many resources are available to address their success in learning with the aid of technology. Awareness of differences in learning styles, individual learning needs, disabilities, and challenges for students is the beginning point for any teacher addressing how best to meet these students' needs to ensure a thriving learning environment.
3 Comments
6/26/2020 08:19:52 am
Hi Melanie,
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6/28/2020 06:28:22 pm
Melanie,
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Mara
6/28/2020 07:43:50 pm
Addressing the needs of students with special needs is relevant in every teaching environment. Every student should be provided equal opportunity to learn, experiment and gain an experience. Technology is very advanced these modern days and there are a multitude of resources that educators can apply in their classrooms.
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AuthorMy name is Melanie and I am in my first year of pursing a Master's degree in Human Capital Development with an emphasis on IT Design at USM. I currently work as a Senior Program Manager for USM. Blogroll
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