Week#2

Assistive Devices Help Challenged Kids Get the Most From Learning


http://courses.wwu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_19898_1%26url%3D

Summary:


Students come in many different shapes, sizes, and types. This article entails an informative overview of how challenged students of today’s diverse classrooms are furthering their education and getting the most from their learning through assistive technology devices. These technologies allow students access to literally thousands of devices to help make learning easier. The article not only talks about students that use these technological advances, but the parents of these students as well. The article then goes into great detail about just a few the devices that the students are using in the classrooms. There are also links provided where you can find some of these helpful devices if you want to further your knowledge of them. The article talks about how many technology companies today are turning towards research and development of these assistive devices. Most of the programs developed are compatible with a personal computer running programs such as windows. The article also states that there is a downside to the technologies. The downside is that if rigorous training is not implemented then the programs are a bust. It is stated that the least effective programs in the classrooms are the ones that the teachers are not familiar with.


Reaction:


It seems today that the big stress in education is diversity. Today’s classroom is much more diverse than twenty years ago. It is our job as teachers to cater to each and every student in the greatest way possible. We must differential our lessons and classroom activities to the greatest degree achievable. This article depicts a great example of many different ways we can execute our goals in the diverse classroom setting. I believe that it is essential to have many assorted tools in our teacher toolboxes. It is very neat that these programs are being created for students that have setbacks or a more difficult time learning in the classroom. With extreme budget cuts I am curious to know how much these programs cost to implement and are they really being implemented to their fullest potential as they should be.