I have maintained a limited view of assistive technology as computer based innovations for the classroom. Upon reading this chapter I discovered that assistive technology entails an array of products from transportation devices to recreation and leisure tools. I have not had the opportunity to teach a child that requires assistive technology in his or her IEP. However, I witnessed the benefits of having an interactive board, a Smart Board, in my classroom to help students with reading, writing, and math disabilities. The Smart Board provides students the ability to have an interactive learning experience which increases their focus and understanding. For example, I have a student that has difficulty learning math concepts. However, he is quite successful and knowledgeable about the games he plays on his PlayStation 3. I used the Smart Board to download games to help with his understanding of certain math concepts. He found the games to be exciting because of their video game resemblance which led to his mastery of the mathematical skill.
I have failed, though, to research other assistive technologies to help assist my students through the learning process. The text provides many websites that offer assistive tools for all subject areas. These websites have provided me with excellent ways to spend my government teaching money at the beginning of the year.
My goal from this point forward is to stay abreast of current assistive technologies to benefit my students. Just simple tools such as pencil grips, raised lined paper, and wikki sticks provide much assistance to my student with dispraxia. My greatest joy is watching a student succeed at a skill that he or she has had difficulty with, and with the use of assistive technologies students have the ability reach mastery.
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