Expectations and Initial Views

When I found out that I would be taking a class called "Computer Applications in Special Education," I was excited. In my undergraduate program, and during my summer job as a teacher assistant in a classroom for children with Autism, I was exposed to different types of assistive and instructional technology. I have seen firsthand how technology can create opportunities for all different types of learners in the classroom. However, I feel that I have only broken the surface in terms of the scope of technology available for students with disabilities. Mainly, I have worked with powerpoint and instructional websites. I used Boardmaker this past summer, but know that there is much more that I can do aside from choosing and printing pictures.

Looking at the syllabus and the text for this course, I can see that my knowledge of assistive and instructional technology will become more comprehensive. I am especially interested in learning about the different options available for students with communication difficulties and limitations. At the end of this course, I hope to be proficient using different technologies at every level - low tech to high tech. With this knowledge, I will be better able to serve the students entrusted to me. It is not enough just to know of technology that can help a child. I need to know how to use the technology so I can train the child, his or her parents or guardians, etc. I expect that with the knowledge base I build, I will be able to look at the case of an individual child, come up with assistive or instructional technology that can be beneficial for that child, and tailor that technology if necessary.

In this day and age, technology and education go hand in hand. Technology is a beneficial tool, not only for students with disabilities, but for all students, for parents, and for teachers. Technology can take students out of the classroom, allowing them to explore places and eras that are far removed. DVDs and interactive websites make learning fun, and allow students to take responsibility for this learning. Subject and skill-specific software is often free on the web, and can provide valuable tutorials and practice for students who are struggling with certain concepts. Parents who may not be able to help their children in certain academic areas can also take advantage of this sort of software. Technology such as electronic dictionaries, and word processors can make the daunting task of writing easier for many students. Books and textbooks are becoming increasingly digitized to provide support for those with reading problems. All of these technologies help students to access the general education curriculum. They provide different ways of presenting information, an important concept when children have such different learning styles.

Decades ago, there were not so many options for students with deficits in communication or mobility. Communication aided by switches, talkers, and even systems such as PECS allow students to have a "voice" regardless of their ability to speak. Students can participate in all classroom activities, and exercise their ability to make decisions for themselves. Electronic wheelchairs and gait-trainers allow for greater range of motion, so students can participate in activities with peers. Technologies such as those discussed above empower students, causing a greater sense of self-efficacy and self-sufficiency.

Teachers can also benefit from technology in many different ways. Assessment and progress-monitoring software helps teachers in screening students, and keeping track of those who are having difficulty. These programs also allow teachers to document educational interventions and see their effectiveness, thus making it possible to change or tailor their instruction for particular students.

I am looking forward to this course, and learning how to improve the lives and education of my students through the use of different types of technology. Technology will always be improving, so it is important for teachers to stay up-to-date with technological advances, especially as we continue to hold high expectations for all students.