Describe issues related to training special education teachers to use technology.
Special education teachers already face a lot of time-consuming challenges and numerous rounds of special training, so I can only imagine that they would be overwhelmed by having to take more training to learn to use new technology properly and proficiently. Since special education students have IEPs, it takes much longer for teachers to make those plans and to develop individual TAKS testing. I think time is probably their greatest enemy. Cost is probably also a factor, as there are so many different special education needs. Technology may be very expensive and farther down the list than assistive devices that are simple to use or benefit numerous students. With some new technology, teachers may not yet see relative advantage.
Give examples of no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech solutions for special students.
With gifted and talented students, the old low-tech way to do research would be to do projects with pencil and paper, posters with markers or to make some sort of craft piece. With low-tech accessories like typewriters, tape players and cameras, students can make more elaborate scrapbook type projects, tape interviews or even produce old-fashioned slide shows. With higher-tech computerized systems, today's kids produce podcasts, digital films, computerized slide shows, web pages, blogs, and multi-media presentations with ease.
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I agree that cost will continue to force us to be more creative with the technology aspects of special education. The reality is, some accommodations using technology will remain necessary. The idea of not providing a non-commmunicative child with assistive devices is not plausible.
ReplyDeleteTime for teaching special needs will always remain an issue. My only hope is that this could be eased over time by multiple uses of the same technology adapted for individual needs.