Describe issues related to training special education teachers to use technology.
Some issues that are related to training special education teachers how to use technology is that technology is rapidly changing. Teachers would need to stay current with all technology available for their campus. It is a good idea for the teachers to be trained in helping with technology, but not all teachers want or have the desire to learn something new. I would say it is more veteran teachers that I have worked with that are a little skeptical of it. My team teacher and I have worked well together by team teaching. Sometimes we combine two classes together and teach them the material using technology and wisdom. Of course, I am the technology guru and she has the wisdom beyond what I know. It has been three years and it has worked well. Our campus is using our idea of teaching and applying it to other core contents. It is very helpful.
The other issue is time to learn the new technology related to special education teachers. I personally took some courses on power point and new use of technology to help all students just in case if they were visual learners. I have noticed that they are able to retain information.
I know that Roblyer states, “The current assistive technology delivery system was originally developed to respond to the needs of students with low-incidence disabilities.”(409) I think that because we are becoming more aware of the different type of assistive technology in school, it is harder to keep up with all of it. I also notice that sometimes there are programs one year and the next it is another program because it failed in helping the special education students .
Give examples of no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech solutions for special students.
No-tech is teaching student to use their body in different way to minimize impact of impairment. One-hand typing is an example of no-tech.
Low-tech is an environment that does not use nonelectrical devices. Examples of these are highlighters, word lists, or organizing systems.
High-tech is when complex electrical devices or hydraulic systems are needed such as stair lift, powered wheelchair, or voice-activated environmental control.
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Great examples of the different types of technologies. Technology in special education has come such a long way. Another great point you make is about the speed for which technology requires inorder to stay in touch with it. Once a teacher really learns how to apply a technology, a new one is on the market that is twice as effective. The cost alone is such a road block, software sort of reminds me of school text books.
ReplyDeleteRuth,
ReplyDeleteYour set up at school sounds amazing! Two minds sharing together to benefit our students. I'm sure that the students are enjoying it as well. You are correct on the how time consuming it can be when learning about new technology. You can have all the training in the world, but until you apply that training and use the new technology in your classroom, you won't remember a thing about it. Whether we like it or not, we learn just like the students. We need to practice at it hands on in order to internalize the skill or concept.