Journal 9: Adaptive Technology

Journal 9: Adaptive Technology NETS-4

    To consider the needs of students with special needs, I investigated some concepts and tools that are helpful in the classroom.  I focused on two types of tools that offer communication and accessibility in the classroom.  I researched a low tech and a high tech tool for each.

Communication:

    AAC is a term that denotes methods of assisting communication. AAC means alternative/augmentative communication. I researched a low tech option and a high tech option to utilize in a classroom.  A low tech AAC device helps assist people through words and pictures. A high tech AAC device helps students communicate through a voice output device.

Low Tech--Find-It Beanbag Activities Set

    This set includes a theme-based beanbag for students to hold and explore.  The bags contain hidden objects that encourage fine motor manipulation and commenting.  Students can poke and shake the bags revealing new objects in the see through window. Students use an activity board and pictures to comment on what they see. The kit includes a beanbag, 15 items in the beanbag, an activity board with hook Velcro to use with vocabulary, sentence starters, a language sentence strip, and a detailed activity plan.

High Tech--Spring Board Lite

    It is a portable PRC product that uses a powerful unity language system. It includes a display of configurations/pictures and voice input.  The device is easy to use and its communication capacity can grow along with the user’s capabilities. It has easy to change access options when serving various skill levels of multiple device users.

Accessibility:

    When teaching special needs students, the ultimate goal is to help students become generalized into the general education population. In order to help students become integrated into a computer or tech class, there are input devices that can help with certain disabilities.  Input devices include a keyboard or mouse, something you use to put in information into the computer. I researched one hardware option and one software option.

Hardware Option-- Magic Touch Add-On Touch Screen Notebook

    You can instantly convert your standard notebook computer into a touch interactive device. The MagicTouch Touch Screen’s USB interface is compatible with Windows or Mac operating systems. This piece of hardware can be easily used in the classroom.

  

Software Option-- Eyegaze System

    It is an input device that allows individuals to control their computers through means other than standard keyboard. The Eye recording device allows for the student to control the cursor on screen without the use of hands.  This gives students the ability to type.  It accommodates a very wide range of eye conditions and the calibration system takes 15 seconds.