How can technology assist students with special needs with regard to literacy? In what ways do some students need accommodation in order to use technology effectively?
Technology is a great tool to use for students with special needs espcially for literacy because it can turn a child once thought to be hopeless due to poor reading into a student who contributes and thrives in a classroom. Technology that can help a student spell, or highlight tough vocab then speak the word to the student levels the learning playing field. Students who struggle with writing tend to get test mods like access to a word processor on test, in my experience. Similarly some students may need access to technology that will help them to read for understanding.
Integrating technology into the classroom to assist students with special needs is the support they will need to reach success. I find myself asking “Where can I go further for information to support special needs students?” Educators need to be aware and be researching new technologies that will help support and accommodate our students’ with special needs. I believe incorporating technology and software options enable a child with a disability to learn effectively, to work, or to live independently. The literature circle is a cooperative activity involving higher level thinking that is being used to support literacy learning. Technology can be used to accommodate students with special needs in a literature circle for example, such as providing accommodations to student interactions, reading material, and role activities and assignments.
As we saw in last night's class, technology-based literacy programs like Read 180 can enable students to make dramatic strides in their reading development. The Read 180 program provides a level of independence from the teacher while still giving the appropriate level of reading support for the student. When reading a passage on this program, the student can either read it to themselves, or follow along while the program decodes the words. The co-writer software is another example of how technology can assist student literacy development. A student who would normally not be able to use microsoft word effetively because it did not provide enough support, is now able to use the program in conjunction with the co-writer software. Co-writer provides the necessary accommodation for student success.
Students might also need practice and modeling in order to be able to properly use technology. For example, before a student is able to make an e-book, they will most likely need to see an example to truly understand expectations. They will also have to be given instruction on how to use the program and might need to practice these skills several times before being able to work independently.
I feel that technology really helps students with special needs. Technology often allows students who normally would need a lot of one on one assistance, become more independent in reading and writing. Although the technology is available, and that it does help, the biggest commitment is finding time to teach the students how to use the technology. I have found that most of the time I can just hand my students a piece of equipment and tell them to experiment with them. They often can tell me how to use it better than I could have explained it.
When using new programs, such as Read 180, Co-writer, etc. I feel that this involves more teaching time needed to teach the students how to use the program. I have also found that when using a program like co-writer, the assistive technology person is normally very willing to come in and help the students and teach the class how to use them.
This year I have had several students with special needs use technology to support literacy. There is a wide range of new supports available to assist with literacy. Write-out-loud and bookshare are two programs I have become familiar with this year. Write-out-loud allows students to spell words the way they sound, and a list will pop up and the student can hear each option until they have found the word they meant to write originally. Bookshare is a program that allows students to hear books read aloud to them. This is beneficial for students who need to read grade level text but can't independently. Students need ample time to explore with these programs before becoming proficient with them. Programs like these allow students to become more independent with literacy activities.
Sometimes, certain forms of technology can be exactly what a student needs to succeed when it comes to literacy. So many software programs and electronic devices exist to accommodate students with special needs. Co-writer is just one we have taken a look at, offering students who may have gross motor skills deficiencies or other special needs a way to "type" a paper by speaking into a microphone. Technology, paired with student effort, can often make a world of difference! As was already written, this requires a time commitment on the teacher's part. It's important to find a program that your student will work well with, get access to it, introduce the student, and follow through to track progress. Using assistive technologies in the classroom can be time consuming, but the end results are often well worth the work!! On this note, the most important education a teacher can provide to his/her students is teaching on how to become literate in regards to technology. Every student is not a "natural" computer user, typer, iPod fan, etc. so it may take some coaching. Giving students the time and instruction on how to effectively use the technologies available to them is one lesson that will be useful forever!
I think that students with special needs have a variety of technology that they can use. The computer is a great way for students to be able to store information instead of writing it if they have difficulties with writing or holding a pencil. An alpha smart is another great resource that is a major help for some students. I also think that pictures help students with special needs. I have seen teachers print out pictures and secure them to a student’s desk and they can point to those pictures to tell the teacher how they are feeling or what they need. That is a very simple yet effective use of technology. I think that we need to teach students how to use technology effectively so they are able to use it on their own.
As we become familiar with the technology available to our students we must also consider the students' abilities and comfort level with the available tools. Students often require direct and explicit instruction on how to use the resources available to them. In a classroom there may be a wide variety of technological skill levels just as there is with other academic areas. Therefore differentiation, such as small group instruction, may be necessary when introducing technology to students and helping them become familiar with what is available to them. When students do feel comfortable using technology it can often be the gateway to their success. Something as simple as using a word processor rather than a pencil and paper can make all the difference for some students. Co-writer and digital voice recordrs are two simple tools that I have used with students that have made a large impact on their writing.
I think that technology availability and use for special needs students is crucial. Alot of times students with special needs are more motivated and engaged when given the opportunity to use a computer in class rather than reading a book or writing in a notebook. I actually got trained and had a student use the Co-writer program that helps predict the spellings of words for struggling spellers and writers. It was amazing to see a student who could barely display his thoughts in writing actually get his ideas out on a computer so that it was easy for me to read and understand. This student would have struggled if he was just told to use the computer without this program just because of his poor handwriting because he struggled a great deal with his spelling. Co-writer helps him find the correct words and will read it to him as well. I also appreciated the fact that this student was trained for a few sessions by an assistive technology person so that the child could effectively use the program on his own. There are also many different reading programs like KidBiz and Successmaker that help struggling readers. It is important to keep up to date on new technologies that can help struggling and special need students be successful and become familiar with how to use them to their fullest capacity.
The use of technology to help students with special needs has increased recently due to a new understanding of how effective they can be on student learning and because it is required by schools under IDEA for students who need assistive technology. In regards to literacy, technology can be used to provide reading support and reading intervention for students who need assistance reading at grade level and to help strengthen and improve overall reading skills. Technology can also allow students who have difficulty with written expression and putting words onto paper. Word processing software and word prediction software make these tasks much easier for struggling writers.
The ways we use technology in the classroom has chnaged dramatically as we have become more aware of what works and what doesn't. In regards to literacy, many times students with disabilities have difficulty understanding what they have read. I worked with a student who had trouble reading text from a book, he did better reading the same information from a computer. Simple steps can be taken to help enhance a students ability to read and comprehend text.
Teachnology has such a broad spectrum when it comes to assisting studnet that it seems only natural to use this tool when working with studnets who have dissablities or special needs. This tool can also be used for students who do not have special needs too. As far as using technology in literacy could include something like allowing or making a computer available for students to word process their writing piece so that they can read it and so can the teacher. Books on tape may also be helpful for studnets who read with less than perfect prosity and are not fluent readers. There are many other ways to assist students using technlogy. I also think in order for all studnets to effectivly use technology the must first watch the teacher model what iit is they need to do but also practice and have exposure to it so that it can be used without confussion and is time effective.
Technology is helping move literacy instruction beyond its oral and print-based tradition. It is creating new opportunities for teaching/learning, through many different assistive technologies. The growing number and selection of programs designed to assist and support students of a broad range of ability are an example of how technology is essential in helping our students in their success as learners. The internet provides opportunities for students to access information and communicate, which highlights the need for strong reading and writing skills. By changing the way that information is absorbed, processed, and used, technology is influencing how students read, write, listen, and communicate.
Technology promises new ways to promote literacy. How we, as educators, utilize what technology has to offer, that will make the difference for our students. The growing influence of technology is undeniable. Students are naturally motivated to work with it. So, matching the student with the technology can only be helpful.
I think that technology has opened up so many different doors for students with disabilities. There are many computer programs that can help to promote literacy in the classroom. Using said programs can support students who struggle with reading for meaning and checking for understanding. Seeing the 180 reading program in action was exciting. Technology can have a very positive impact on students with disabilities but it can also serve as a highly motivational and engaging tool for all students.
I remember back in the day... when we had to write paper drafts of a product, edit, and then do a good copy typed out. There are still teachers today that make their students go through the same routine. Not only is this frustrating for the students, but its also bothersome to the teachers. Not to mention, this is an outdated practice that is no longer necessary. In today's society, we should be teaching our students to use technology to assist them with their writing and literacy needs. One of my students comes to mind. He never wanted to learn about punctuation, and grammar, but by having access to complete all of his work on a word processor, many of these “rules’ he learned through daily spell checks on the computer. This same student never finished any work that required the older methods of creating a draft, editing, and typing. Also, very rarely do I ever teach literacy and ELA skills through traditional paper and pencil methods anymore. There are so many great websites available now that teach students literacy and ELA skills in a more interactive manner. Although, I will admit, it takes a little research on the part of the teacher first. But when researched properly, internet sites such as starfall can be quite effective, along with some teacher follow up.
Technology can be used in many ways in regards to literacy. I have seen a student with special needs have the book read to them through a tape on the computer instead of having to read it out loud, but still the student is able to see the text and hear it at the same time which will benefit that student’s literacy. Technology can be something that is easy to access depending on the district which would be beneficial for the students. There are all sorts of programs that can be used on the smart board that can have students interact that can help with their literacy. With students that have a hard time following along they can use programs that will keep them on track while reading. There are many different programs and technologies that are out there that could be implemented into a student’s IEP or available in the classroom that a teacher can use if need be. These tools are something that some students need in order to succeed.
Technology is a great tool to help students with special needs. I feel that using technology with students with special needs helps them become more independent than more of the one on one for learning. By using technology, students with special needs may feel more motivated to do work and may feel more of a accomplishment of finished work. There are many kid friendly and inguading literacy programs that help struggling readers and writers. It's important as a teacher to be up to date with different reading and writing programs to help struggling and special needs students to reach their fullest capacity of learning.
Technology can be used to help students in many aspects of literacy. It can help them spell, learn new words, organize their ideas and generate new ones. There seems to be some sort of technology for almost any aspect of literacy. Students with special needs often struggle with literacy because it is so complicated. Technology that helps them may have to be adapted to fit their specific needs; it is not a one size fits all. Often technology can make literacy a more tactile and interactive experience which benefits different types of learner. Technologies that gets students to succeed, even if they are not intended for a certain accommodation are great tools for helping students to succeed in literacy.
Technology is a great tool to use for students with special needs espcially for literacy because it can turn a child once thought to be hopeless due to poor reading into a student who contributes and thrives in a classroom. Technology that can help a student spell, or highlight tough vocab then speak the word to the student levels the learning playing field. Students who struggle with writing tend to get test mods like access to a word processor on test, in my experience. Similarly some students may need access to technology that will help them to read for understanding.
ReplyDeleteIntegrating technology into the classroom to assist students with special needs is the support they will need to reach success. I find myself asking “Where can I go further for information to support special needs students?” Educators need to be aware and be researching new technologies that will help support and accommodate our students’ with special needs. I believe incorporating technology and software options enable a child with a disability to learn effectively, to work, or to live independently. The literature circle is a cooperative activity involving higher level thinking that is being used to support literacy learning. Technology can be used to accommodate students with special needs in a literature circle for example, such as providing accommodations to student interactions, reading material, and role activities and assignments.
ReplyDeleteAs we saw in last night's class, technology-based literacy programs like Read 180 can enable students to make dramatic strides in their reading development. The Read 180 program provides a level of independence from the teacher while still giving the appropriate level of reading support for the student. When reading a passage on this program, the student can either read it to themselves, or follow along while the program decodes the words. The co-writer software is another example of how technology can assist student literacy development. A student who would normally not be able to use microsoft word effetively because it did not provide enough support, is now able to use the program in conjunction with the co-writer software. Co-writer provides the necessary accommodation for student success.
ReplyDeleteStudents might also need practice and modeling in order to be able to properly use technology. For example, before a student is able to make an e-book, they will most likely need to see an example to truly understand expectations. They will also have to be given instruction on how to use the program and might need to practice these skills several times before being able to work independently.
I feel that technology really helps students with special needs. Technology often allows students who normally would need a lot of one on one assistance, become more independent in reading and writing. Although the technology is available, and that it does help, the biggest commitment is finding time to teach the students how to use the technology. I have found that most of the time I can just hand my students a piece of equipment and tell them to experiment with them. They often can tell me how to use it better than I could have explained it.
ReplyDeleteWhen using new programs, such as Read 180, Co-writer, etc. I feel that this involves more teaching time needed to teach the students how to use the program. I have also found that when using a program like co-writer, the assistive technology person is normally very willing to come in and help the students and teach the class how to use them.
This year I have had several students with special needs use technology to support literacy. There is a wide range of new supports available to assist with literacy. Write-out-loud and bookshare are two programs I have become familiar with this year. Write-out-loud allows students to spell words the way they sound, and a list will pop up and the student can hear each option until they have found the word they meant to write originally. Bookshare is a program that allows students to hear books read aloud to them. This is beneficial for students who need to read grade level text but can't independently. Students need ample time to explore with these programs before becoming proficient with them. Programs like these allow students to become more independent with literacy activities.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, certain forms of technology can be exactly what a student needs to succeed when it comes to literacy. So many software programs and electronic devices exist to accommodate students with special needs. Co-writer is just one we have taken a look at, offering students who may have gross motor skills deficiencies or other special needs a way to "type" a paper by speaking into a microphone. Technology, paired with student effort, can often make a world of difference! As was already written, this requires a time commitment on the teacher's part. It's important to find a program that your student will work well with, get access to it, introduce the student, and follow through to track progress. Using assistive technologies in the classroom can be time consuming, but the end results are often well worth the work!! On this note, the most important education a teacher can provide to his/her students is teaching on how to become literate in regards to technology. Every student is not a "natural" computer user, typer, iPod fan, etc. so it may take some coaching. Giving students the time and instruction on how to effectively use the technologies available to them is one lesson that will be useful forever!
ReplyDeleteI think that students with special needs have a variety of technology that they can use. The computer is a great way for students to be able to store information instead of writing it if they have difficulties with writing or holding a pencil. An alpha smart is another great resource that is a major help for some students. I also think that pictures help students with special needs. I have seen teachers print out pictures and secure them to a student’s desk and they can point to those pictures to tell the teacher how they are feeling or what they need. That is a very simple yet effective use of technology. I think that we need to teach students how to use technology effectively so they are able to use it on their own.
ReplyDeleteAs we become familiar with the technology available to our students we must also consider the students' abilities and comfort level with the available tools. Students often require direct and explicit instruction on how to use the resources available to them. In a classroom there may be a wide variety of technological skill levels just as there is with other academic areas. Therefore differentiation, such as small group instruction, may be necessary when introducing technology to students and helping them become familiar with what is available to them. When students do feel comfortable using technology it can often be the gateway to their success. Something as simple as using a word processor rather than a pencil and paper can make all the difference for some students. Co-writer and digital voice recordrs are two simple tools that I have used with students that have made a large impact on their writing.
ReplyDeleteI think that technology availability and use for special needs students is crucial. Alot of times students with special needs are more motivated and engaged when given the opportunity to use a computer in class rather than reading a book or writing in a notebook. I actually got trained and had a student use the Co-writer program that helps predict the spellings of words for struggling spellers and writers. It was amazing to see a student who could barely display his thoughts in writing actually get his ideas out on a computer so that it was easy for me to read and understand. This student would have struggled if he was just told to use the computer without this program just because of his poor handwriting because he struggled a great deal with his spelling. Co-writer helps him find the correct words and will read it to him as well. I also appreciated the fact that this student was trained for a few sessions by an assistive technology person so that the child could effectively use the program on his own. There are also many different reading programs like KidBiz and Successmaker that help struggling readers. It is important to keep up to date on new technologies that can help struggling and special need students be successful and become familiar with how to use them to their fullest capacity.
ReplyDeleteThe use of technology to help students with special needs has increased recently due to a new understanding of how effective they can be on student learning and because it is required by schools under IDEA for students who need assistive technology. In regards to literacy, technology can be used to provide reading support and reading intervention for students who need assistance reading at grade level and to help strengthen and improve overall reading skills. Technology can also allow students who have difficulty with written expression and putting words onto paper. Word processing software and word prediction software make these tasks much easier for struggling writers.
ReplyDeleteThe ways we use technology in the classroom has chnaged dramatically as we have become more aware of what works and what doesn't. In regards to literacy, many times students with disabilities have difficulty understanding what they have read. I worked with a student who had trouble reading text from a book, he did better reading the same information from a computer. Simple steps can be taken to help enhance a students ability to read and comprehend text.
ReplyDeleteTeachnology has such a broad spectrum when it comes to assisting studnet that it seems only natural to use this tool when working with studnets who have dissablities or special needs. This tool can also be used for students who do not have special needs too. As far as using technology in literacy could include something like allowing or making a computer available for students to word process their writing piece so that they can read it and so can the teacher. Books on tape may also be helpful for studnets who read with less than perfect prosity and are not fluent readers. There are many other ways to assist students using technlogy. I also think in order for all studnets to effectivly use technology the must first watch the teacher model what iit is they need to do but also practice and have exposure to it so that it can be used without confussion and is time effective.
ReplyDeleteTechnology is helping move literacy instruction beyond its oral and print-based tradition. It is creating new opportunities for teaching/learning, through many different assistive technologies. The growing number and selection of programs designed to assist and support students of a broad range of ability are an example of how technology is essential in helping our students in their success as learners. The internet provides opportunities for students to access information and communicate, which highlights the need for strong reading and writing skills. By changing the way that information is absorbed, processed, and used, technology is influencing how students read, write, listen, and communicate.
ReplyDeleteTechnology promises new ways to promote literacy. How we, as educators, utilize what technology has to offer, that will make the difference for our students. The growing influence of technology is undeniable. Students are naturally motivated to work with it. So, matching the student with the technology can only be helpful.
I think that technology has opened up so many different doors for students with disabilities. There are many computer programs that can help to promote literacy in the classroom. Using said programs can support students who struggle with reading for meaning and checking for understanding. Seeing the 180 reading program in action was exciting. Technology can have a very positive impact on students with disabilities but it can also serve as a highly motivational and engaging tool for all students.
ReplyDeleteI remember back in the day... when we had to write paper drafts of a product, edit, and then do a good copy typed out. There are still teachers today that make their students go through the same routine. Not only is this frustrating for the students, but its also bothersome to the teachers. Not to mention, this is an outdated practice that is no longer necessary. In today's society, we should be teaching our students to use technology to assist them with their writing and literacy needs. One of my students comes to mind. He never wanted to learn about punctuation, and grammar, but by having access to complete all of his work on a word processor, many of these “rules’ he learned through daily spell checks on the computer. This same student never finished any work that required the older methods of creating a draft, editing, and typing.
ReplyDeleteAlso, very rarely do I ever teach literacy and ELA skills through traditional paper and pencil methods anymore. There are so many great websites available now that teach students literacy and ELA skills in a more interactive manner. Although, I will admit, it takes a little research on the part of the teacher first. But when researched properly, internet sites such as starfall can be quite effective, along with some teacher follow up.
Technology can be used in many ways in regards to literacy. I have seen a student with special needs have the book read to them through a tape on the computer instead of having to read it out loud, but still the student is able to see the text and hear it at the same time which will benefit that student’s literacy. Technology can be something that is easy to access depending on the district which would be beneficial for the students. There are all sorts of programs that can be used on the smart board that can have students interact that can help with their literacy. With students that have a hard time following along they can use programs that will keep them on track while reading. There are many different programs and technologies that are out there that could be implemented into a student’s IEP or available in the classroom that a teacher can use if need be. These tools are something that some students need in order to succeed.
ReplyDeleteTechnology is a great tool to help students with special needs. I feel that using technology with students with special needs helps them become more independent than more of the one on one for learning. By using technology, students with special needs may feel more motivated to do work and may feel more of a accomplishment of finished work. There are many kid friendly and inguading literacy programs that help struggling readers and writers. It's important as a teacher to be up to date with different reading and writing programs to help struggling and special needs students to reach their fullest capacity of learning.
ReplyDeleteTechnology can be used to help students in many aspects of literacy. It can help them spell, learn new words, organize their ideas and generate new ones. There seems to be some sort of technology for almost any aspect of literacy. Students with special needs often struggle with literacy because it is so complicated. Technology that helps them may have to be adapted to fit their specific needs; it is not a one size fits all. Often technology can make literacy a more tactile and interactive experience which benefits different types of learner. Technologies that gets students to succeed, even if they are not intended for a certain accommodation are great tools for helping students to succeed in literacy.
ReplyDelete