School budgets at the primary, secondary, and collegiate level are tight. Assistive technology can be expensive. Why should we spend the money on assistive technology when so few students use it? One reason is because these technologies can actually help all learners, not just those with special needs. Another reason is because it is the law. IDEA, or Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, is a Federal law that requires all students to have access to what is being taught. Technology can provide this access in many ways. Many people might say that education needs to be equal for every student. But we all learn differently, so equal education will not result in equal learning by all students. Instead, we need education to be equitable for all students. If we can individualize learning so that each student has what they need to learn the required material, then education is equitable and each student has the same chance to succeed. Assistive technology can also make learning more engaging for students of all abilities, especially compared to old fashioned text books. With a digital text book, students who are good at reading can read the text while students who struggle with reading can have the computer read it to them. But digital textbooks can also allow students to take notes and highlight material that is important, as well as offer engaging videos or simulations. If assistive technology can keep all students engaged, individualize learning so all students have the ability to succeed, and allow schools to meet the requirements of Federal law; then I believe assistive technology is well worth the money.
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AuthorHi it's Patrick! I'm a social studies teacher at Bennett Mountain High School. I'm also currently a student at Boise State University working on completing a Masters of Educational Technology. This is my blog about my journey through the MET program at BSU. ArchivesCategories |