Rationale for using Assistive Technology
Assistive technology for kids with learning disabilities refers to the mechanism of employing tools, devices and equipments to aid, compensate or act as a remedial measure for those children with learning deficiencies.
Assistive technology neither cures the learning deficits nor does it eliminate them, but rather, it aids the kid in harnessing her full potential.
As such, the child can integrate inherent abilities to the learning process-as assistive technology offers an avenue of bypassing challenging portions of the learning activity. Thus, assistive technology cushions challenged children by compensating for the learning deficits of the kid.
Accommodating Objective
For instance, arithmetic assistive technology tools are developed to aid those kids who are challenged in carrying out mathematical operations. This arithmetic handicap in kids can be observed in those children who strive to compute, organize, align and note down mathematical statements with very little success.
Thus, in designing both visual and audio aids, assistive technology offers the much needed help to children in carrying out mathematical manipulations and operations.
An electronic math worksheet is one good example of an arithmetic assistive technology tool- it aids arithmetically challenged children organize, align, compute and manipulate mathematical functions on a computer monitor.
The electronic math worksheet is equipped with various in-built systems offering user friendly services; for instance, it has an inherent speech synthesizer which audibly articulates both numerical and functional operations after processing.
As such, the audible feedback does not only bring the arithmetically challenged children to be at par with their counterparts but it also motivates the learner by boosting their confidence in ensuring that the resultant answers are accurate.
Targeted Students
The use of electronic math worksheet as an assistive technological tool is mainly targeted to third, fourth, fifth graders through to middle school students.
This follows from the fact that some threshold arithmetic maturity is indispensable for effective utilization of electronic math worksheets.
Moreover, electronic math worksheets are needed only in those mathematical manipulations which bear some substantive complexity to the arithmetic age of the child.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Electronic Math Worksheet
Since there is an influx of new electronic math worksheet designs, it is essential that one should endeavor to buy the most appropriate type of electronic math worksheet for the children who are arithmetically challenged.
Such factors as the needs and deficits of the kid, the kid’s abilities, the collection of electronic math worksheets in the market and the setting under which it would be used should be put into consideration as one selects the type of math worksheet which would best aid the kid.
When once such factors are considered, one needs to establish the quality, usability, and the reliability of the electronic math worksheet before settling to purchasing it.
It is advisable to purchase a portable electronic math worksheet for a kid, since children need to carry them and use them in various settings (school, home and in social interactions). A pocket-sized mobile electronic math worksheet may prove to be of a comparable effectiveness as one integrated in a computer system.
An electronic math worksheet is effective if it fulfills the function for which it was designed, and thus it should be;
- User friendly and easy to operate.
- Clear visual display and makes audible sound projections
- Compatible with other related technologies
- Reliable and long-lasting
Instructional Technology for Kid’s with Learning Disabilities
Rational for using Instructional Technology
Instructional technology refers to the integration of the current technological innovations in the teaching and learning process, it is basically employed by the tutor, to aid in the process of instruction and thus foster comprehension on the part of the learners.
The prevailing global technological proficiency demands that teachers should embrace instructional technology in their teaching programs and educational institutions to ensure that media- and internet –savvy graduates enter the job market.
Frame routine is one such instructional technology which is primarily developed to help learners organize topics, key principles, and guidelines on class assignments. Frame routine is strategically engineered into a hierarchical graphic presentation (frame) that aids the learners in connecting, correlating and associating related information.
Instructional Objective
The use of frame routines in an instructional setting does not only direct the learner’s attention to specific ideas but it also allows the learner to view supplementary details in the due process of studying. In implementing frame routines, the logical presentation of frame graphics enhances the comprehension, the internalization and ultimately the understanding on the subject matter of the content.
The compatibility of frame routines welcomes the integration of a variety of related multi-media programs into the system and hence covers a broad spectrum of disciplines.
Targeted Beneficiaries
The flexibility of frame routines serves an indispensable role in structuring special learning programs for learners with learning disabilities.
An increasing number of educators are incorporating frame routines to the web platform, in which a constant touch with both students and parents is maintained. This noble technological endowment has simplified the instructional process in that teacher can now post class assignments, upload additional instructional materials, and highlight important academic dates.
The association of frame routines with the web has also provided an open forum to all stakeholders of the educational institution, under which due correspondence is assured from the administration front, through the lecturer, to the learner or even the parent (Velerie, 2011, p. 1).
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Instructional Technology
The effectiveness of a frame routine can be gauged on the scales of its associated impact on the teaching methodologies and strategies of an instructor and the resultant impact on learners’ understanding.
Therefore, teachers need to develop a comprehensive plan stipulating the boundaries of applying frame routines; be it on examinations, grading, and research purposes.
In this view, therefore, there arises an imperative necessity for in-service training for teachers in the technological front of designing and using frame routines. Such a move does acquaint teachers with the requisite technological knowledge which is essential for tentative association of frame graphics in a classroom scenario.
Review of Available Research
Research on optimal utilization of frame routines reveal that teachers ought to make a plan which would ensure that a sustainable and fruitful classroom situation thrives during the instruction process (Bruce, 2011, p. 1).
The other factor which governs the success of frame routines in a learning situation is the quantity and quality of the hardware at hand. Whereas laptops may serve a splendid purpose in their compatibility to frame routine programs, desktops similarly excel in some tasks.
Reference List
Bruce, P. (2011). Strategies to Implement Technology in a Classroom. Retrieved from https://classroom.synonym.com/strategies-implement-technology-classroom-5984431.html
Valerie, C. (2011). The Virginia Accessible Instructional Materials Center Extends Statewide License to eBook Reader to Benefit Special Education Students. Retrieved from https://news.yahoo.com/