Journal 4/MI

Courduff, J. (2011). One size never fits all. Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx

With all of the recent developments in technology, it seems that the benefits for special needs students is delayed.  For seven years, Etiwanda School District has focused on technology integration with its general education teachers.  While this program had helped student performance with district benchmarks, there was still a need for technology integration for special needs students.  Since then, creative use of technology in the special needs classrooms has led to students meeting IEP goals faster.  To assist with this program, curricular needs are matched with available technology.  This list is then available for teachers to select technology best suited for what they are trying to do.  To help the long process of integration of this technology, a system was developed in three tiers.

This technology has helped special needs students to read and write using technology.  It seems to me that technology could probably be even more important for the teaching of special needs students than general students.  My nephew has Cerebral Palsy and cannot speak or walk.  He has a computer program that allows him to choose between two different items and can quiz him.  Also, I have seen portable hand held computers that help students to communicate when verbal processes are not available.


What is an example of how technology can help special needs students?

Students who have problems communicating verbally can use computers to verbalize for them.  As with Josh on page 19, some students who would never get in front of their class to give a presentation can use word processing programs that convert text to speech or can also add verbal segments to Power Point or other presentation programs.


What are some of the obstacles preventing a wider array of technology in special needs classes?

Availability of current technology can be an issue for special needs classes.  I seems to me that the general lack of resources available for special needs should be one reason why technology should be prioritized for them.  A concise forum, as talked about in the article is also very important for teachers to be able to pair technology with curricular needs but if the means to utilize this technology is not available it is all irrelevant.  We need to make sure equipment is available for these teachers in the classrooms.