In the article “One Size Never Fits All”,
Jennifer Courduff explains how Etiwanda School District in California realized
that they were missing tech integration for special needs students. They had an
extensive program for general education, but nothing for students with learning
disabilities. They began a special program that trained special education
teachers based on tiers instead of a given amount of years of training. The
program realized that there are differences in every classroom, in every
student, and in every teacher. Courduff explains that the program allows for
students who have difficulty putting their thoughts into words to actually
speak their thoughts into a computer program which records their words. Many
students have experienced success from programs like these and are meeting
their IEP goals at a more rapid pace.
I think this is a great idea to focus on
students who really need the help. It is a way to give everyone what they need
to help them be as successful as they can be. I have actually seen some of
these technologies integrated into a special needs class, and the results are
amazing. The students really do grasp the material better and come to school
excited to learn. I think more schools need to adopt programs for special needs
students that help teachers integrate technology. Many teachers do not know how
to use new technology and need the training, but not all programs offer
training like this one. Many are based on years of training, not on mastering
the levels of training. Teachers learn how to do something and move on to the
next part of training and aren’t given the necessary time to actually integrate
what they’ve learned into their lessons. I find this to be especially true in
the special needs classes.
This article definitely touches base on
the ISTE Standard number1of creativity and innovation. It will help students to
create their own original work and to create original group work as well. At
the special education level, this would be the standard used the most, but it
also would touch base on ISTE standard numbers 2, 3, and 4 depending on the
integrated lesson with technology.
Courduff, J. (2011). One size never fits
all: Tech integration for special needs. Learning
& Leading with Technology, 38(8), 16-19.
Awesome points! I definitely agree that making sure incorporating technology into special needs classrooms is a priority. I actually just observed in a STEPSS classroom at Jackson Elementary in Temecula and had to opportunity to witness first hand the benefits of iPad in this type of classroom. These students had severe communication disabilities with some having little to no speech accompanied by severe behavioral issues. The iPad brought in a strong visual as well as physical stimulation, which these students need, and provided an easy way for them to focus and communicate. Students were able to press pictures that the iPad would then say out loud giving the kids a voice they usually wouldn't have. This definitely touches on standard 2 with the students using technology as a communication tool as well as giving them a way to collaborate with one another and educators. We cant overlook the benefits of technology in all types of classroom settings.
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