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Introduction to Assistive Technology

Self Directed Course

Introduction

In today’s complex and dynamic classroom environment, educators are challenged to meaningfully include students with a wide variety of needs.  With the help of assistive technology, students of all abilities can successfully participate, communicate and learn with their peers in the classroom.  Over the past three decades, assistive technology has evolved from being only situation specific devices or adaptations, to more general software and hardware solutions which can support students along a continuum of ability. This course is designed to provide participants with an overview of the field of assistive technology, an understanding of how to implement any technology solution successfully, and experience considering specific technologies when creating technology-enhanced units and lessons.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the course, you will:

  • have a general understanding of the field of assistive technology and be able to describe technologies that support participation, communication and learning in the classroom
  • be able to describe the process for successful assistive technology implementation and the conditions that foster or challenge effective implementation
  • have a general understanding of how to match assistive technology features to student need and how to use those features to support participation, communication and learning in the classroom
  • be able to describe how to adjust unit and lesson plans to include assistive technology solutions that support students’ individual education plans
  • understand how assistive technology can be used to support current teaching and learning trends (e.g. Universal Design for Learning)
  • understand how to use a variety of online resources and training opportunities to expand and support their assistive technology knowledge and skills

Course Requirements

As this course is an overview of assistive technology, you do not require prior experience or knowledge of the field to successfully complete the course.  However, since this course is presented online, you will require the following:

  • general computer competency including file management, use of the internet and email (if necessary contact the instructor)
  • access to current computer and internet technology including a computer with an up-to-date operating system and internet browser
  • reliable high speed internet connection which will allow access to the various presentations, videos and demonstrations.

Course Schedule

This course can be started and completed on your own schedule at any time of the year!  As this is delivered as distance education, you can set your own timetable for completion of the various modules and activities.  During the first module, you will be able to complete a course plan to help you organize and schedule your work.

Course Activities

Each module contains a number of different activities that will reinforce and extend your understanding of the various concepts presented.  The activities can be completed using the module handouts.

Course Instructor

The course is supported by Kerry Randle – a SET-BC Provincial Consultant.  You can access her at any time through email (krandle@setbc.org) or by phone (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) at 604-261-9450 x314.

Course Modules

Module 1 – Course Overview

The purpose of this module is to introduce yourself and to help you become familiar with the course and different activities you will be doing to learn about Assistive Technology. 

Module 2 – Overview of Assistive Technology

In this module you will be introduced to the field of assistive technology and the categories of assistive hardware and software that are commonly implemented with students.  Assistive technology can be categorized a number of ways: by type of technology, by function of technology, by type of disability it supports and so on.  In this overview module you will explore assistive technology categories that specifically support students with access, communication and learning disabilities.

Module 3 – Effective Assistive Technology Implementation

In this module you’ll learn about the steps involved in implementing any assistive technology successfully.  Truly successful integration of the technology into a student’s educational program does not depend on what software and hardware may be introduced, but, instead depends on careful and thoughtful attention to the various steps from initial assessment or information gathering through to final outcome reporting.  Unfortunately, due to lack of planning, many AT solutions are abandoned.  It’s important to learn about conditions that foster good implementation and also the barriers that would prevent students using their technology effectively.

Module 4 – Assistive Technology to Support Learning

A student’s educational experience is not complete without providing them with access to a general or functional curriculum.  No matter at what level the student is functioning, learning goals should be an important part of his or her Individual Education Plan.  Assistive technology can often compensate for a variety of student deficits while, simultaneously, highlighting their strengths.  In this module you will explore assistive technologies that can support students who struggle with reading, writing, math and organization.  Because the user and activity preferences built into these technologies can be customized to a very great degree, they can often be implemented with a wide variety of students in many different grades.

Module 5 – Assistive Technology that Supports Participation

For students to reach their full potential, they must be able to participate as much as possible in the educational and social activities that happen in every classroom.  For some students, accessing these opportunities is impossible without the support of assistive technologies.  Assistive technology, combined with differentiated instruction and materials, becomes the tool to support students’ participation in learning experiences in the least restrictive environment.  This module will explore the various assistive technologies that can support students in overcoming physical and visual disabilities allowing them to fully participate in adapted or modified educational programs.

Module 6 – Assistive Technology to Support Communication

Communication is an essential human skill but, for some children with disabilities, it can be very difficult and frustrating.  Even expressing basic needs can require a significant effort for those who must overcome physical, sensory, and intellectual challenges to communicate their wishes.  An inability to communicate can lead to frustration, isolation, lack of friendships, and even depression.  For those who cannot communicate through conventional means, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems can be used to augment or replace speech.  This module will explore some of the options and AAC systems that can support students with a variety of disabilities so they can experience human interactions in as many ways as possible.

Module 7 – Assistive Technology in Action

Despite the incredible potential assistive technology has for supporting students in our classrooms, the reality often fails to meet that potential.  Far too often assistive technology solutions are abandoned and the reasons for this abandonment vary depending on the student, team, and technology choice.  In this module you will see examples of successful AT implementation.  You will bring together what you have learned in previous modules to see how important it is to match student need to assistive technology features.  You will also complete a Personal AT Implementation Plan to not only review the important concepts learned, but to create a plan which you can use when supporting your students’ educational programs.