The following project was created to demonstrate available technologies for students with special needs and how they can be integrated into curricular for helping achieve academic, behavioral, or social goals. According to Roblyer and Doering (2012), special educators should integrate both assistive and instructional technology (403.) Below are some examples of available technology, as well as the strategies for their integration, for various types of students.
Students with Cognitive Disabilities
WizCom Reading Pen |
Portable scanning translator to improve reading fluency and comprehension.
This Innovative portable learning tool for students of a second language and for people with reading difficulties (such as dyslexia). Adapted for both school-age readers and for college level and adult readers, these tools provide reading autonomy and fluency, enhancing text comprehension. Students can scan text, hear it spoken aloud and obtain definitions and correct pronunciation within seconds. |
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Don Johnston's Co:Writer and Write |
Because some students require support throughout the literacy continuum, while others struggle only with specific aspects, SOLO Literacy Suite places all of the right tools, and a wide-range of imbedded learning supports, at their fingertips.
SOLO includes word prediction, a text reader, graphic organizer and talking word processor—putting students in charge of their own learning and accommodations. Students of varying ages and abilities have access to, and make progress in, the general education curriculum. |
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Webspiration |
Proven visual learning methods give students a framework to brainstorm ideas, gather and organize information, build comprehension, and develop written essays, papers and reports. Educator and student resources, including lesson plan ideas and study tips, support curriculum integration, and online access facilitates peer review, collaboration and student-teacher interaction – engaging students, extending learning time and increasing achievement across the curriculum.
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Students with Physical Disabilities
General Overview:
Dragon speech recognition software has gained broad acceptance as a cost-effective accessibility tool for students with physical disabilities. In computer labs and classrooms across the country, speech recognition software is increasingly becoming a productivity tool for students of all abilities.
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IntelliKeys |
IntelliKeys is an alternative keyboard designed to meet the needs of students with physical disabilities. It is a customizable, flat, touch-sensitive device.
Unlike standard keyboards with a fixed set of keys, the configuration of IntelliKeys can be easily changed by sliding different overlays onto the touch sensitive area. |
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IntelliTools |
Classroom Suite is a unique software intervention tool developed based upon the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) that combines two educational paradigms—systematic, explicit instruction and flexible creativity tools—Teachers have control over specific learning objectives, allowing differentiated instruction for individuals or groups to help students in grades PreK-5 achieve mastery in reading, writing, and mathematics.
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Students with Sensory Disabilities
iZOOM |
Today more than ever it’s important to “read the small print.” And now you can with iZoom USB! iZoom USB makes everything on your computer screen clear and easy to read. You select the best size, color and even speech for maximum comfort and enjoyment. Get more out of everything you do on your personal computer with less eye fatigue and frustration.
iZoom USB is ultra portable - about the size of a stick of gum. Attach it to your keychain and carry it everywhere you go! Simply plug it into a PC’s USB 2.0 port and you’re up and running. No software to install, no complications what so ever. Now you can easily and comfortably use a library PC. Or perhaps you’re travelling and wish to check your email, or view a web site, now you can with your handy iZoom USB. Small enough to take with you; easy to use; the perfect image, size and color. |
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Freedom Scientific |
WYNN is the award-winning literacy software tool designed to enhance success for individuals with reading challenges and writing difficulties. WYNN 7’s exciting new features include the first of its kind electronic notecards and writing templates aligned with the Common Core State Standards. The product boasts the PAL toolset, and the PREPARE process, a well-researched and systematic educational process to support active interaction with text, including supports for reading, writing, studying, and organizing notes. This process, paired with the PAL features, provides a powerful support structure for all students.
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Audio Enhancement |
Audio Enhancement has been dedicated to bringing the highest quality audio systems to classrooms to help maximize learning for over thirty years. The Prime Link System represents a new and unique solution that takes advantage of our years of experience to exceed what people have come to expect from enhanced audio in a classroom. The Prime Link System is designed specifically to provide classrooms with high quality audio plus access to the features of The SAFE System™ utilizing cutting-edge technology pioneered by the experts at Audio Enhancement.
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At-Risk Students
BrainPOP ESL |
BrainPOP ESL uses lively, engaging content to teach English to speakers of other languages. Lessons are built around animated movies and supporting features that reinforce vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, reading comprehension, and writing skills. New concepts are couched in everyday situations, adding context for learners and helping them master idiomatic and cultural nuances. Versatile and easy to use, BrainPOP ESL assumes no prior knowledge of English, and effectively addresses diverse learning styles.
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Tom Snyder Production |
The world’s most effective system for raising reading achievement and America’s premier reading intervention program
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Don Johnston, Inc. |
Co:Writer is the personal writing assistant that helps you write with proper spelling and grammar. As you write in any application, Co:Writer interprets your spelling and offers word suggestions in real time. Then you simply select a word from the list of suggestions and Co:Writer automatically inserts it into your writing.
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Intel - Teach with Technology |
When coupled with instruction and support at an advanced level, Technology Literacy projects provide opportunities for gifted and talented students to master the processes and skills they need to be successful. Imagine a classroom where:
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Students with Gifts and Talents
Think Quest |
Visit our online learning community to integrate technology-based activities into your curriculum with ease.
Collaborate in a protected environment accessible only to member schools. Connect with peers around the world and embark on a journey of discovery and innovation. |
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iLearnTechnology - Virsona |
How to integrate Virsona into the classroom: Virsona can be used to connect students to historical characters. Students can “chat” with the historical character asking questions about their life, beliefs, politics, and more. Put your students on assignment as news reporters. Ask them to “sit down” with the historical character and interview them, taking notes about the answers they are given. Students can then fact check the interview, using primary sources, text books, and encyclopedia articles. Students can then write a newspaper article, a character sketch, or create a fake video interview using a tool like Xtranormal. Virsona is a tool that will connect your students to historical figures and learning in a way that wasn’t before possible. I have yet to meet a student who doesn’t love to chat. Put those chatting skills to good use by having them chat with historical figures.
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References:
Roblyer, M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2012). Integrating educational technology into teaching (6th ed.). Allyn & Bacon.
Roblyer, M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2012). Integrating educational technology into teaching (6th ed.). Allyn & Bacon.