Assistive Technology
Want more information about assistive technology, its uses, relevance
and effects on students?
Here are some websites that might be helpful!
Family Guide to Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology Information
Assistive Technology- Why and How
Assistive Technology in Schools
Light Tech Assistive Technology Examples
Dry erase boards are one extremely important tool that can be used in the classroom. If used correctly they can give students an opportunity to share out and become involved in classroom experiences.
For Example: In a mathematics lesson, you could include all students in the lesson by asking students to solve a given problem on their whiteboards after practicing the solving of similar lessons and direct instruction on the skills necessary to succeed in this task. The students would then be asked to turn to a partner and compare their answers. This would give students an opportunity to test their answers with a peer before sharing out then finally hold up their whiteboards. They would be able to see what other students got and compare their answers to the answers of others. The class could then discuss the answer and students would feel more comfortable sharing out after being given multiple opportunities to share and adjust their answers if necessary in less intimidating environments.
Color coding is a simple tool that can greatly increase understanding for students who are visual learners among others.
For Example: In a language arts lesson, color coding could be used to help students understand and locate the different parts of an essay or multi-paragraph writing sample. Color coding could be used to highlight the sections of the essay (Topic paragraph, supporting details, transitions etc.). This would allow students to be able to see the different parts of an essay and discover how these parts come together within a piece of writing.
Pencil grips can be used in the classroom for students who are struggling with holding a pencil correctly for a variety of reasons.
For Example: If you have a student who does not like to write because they can't handle the feeling of the pencil between their fingers, you could help solve this problem by providing them with a pencil grip.
Post-It Notes can be used in a variety of ways in the classroom. They can be used to check for understanding, organize thoughts, answer questions and many other ways.
For Example: To get an understanding of students' prior knowledge in a social studies lesson, a teacher could ask students to write what they know about the subject on a Post-It note and place it on the whiteboard before leaving the class. The teacher could then assess the prior knowledge of students and determine what they know, need to know and an misconceptions that need to be addressed before beginning the new unit or lesson.
Slanted surfaces can be used to help students who have difficulty with reading or writing, students with visual disabilities and many other students.
For Example: A student who does not want to read and refuses to read during instruction and outside of the classroom may be doing so because reading the text is uncomfortable and difficult for them. You could try using a tilted surface for the student to reduce discomfort. Tilted surfaces can help students see the text better and read it with comfort.
Magnetic letters can be very helpful when used for students who are visual and/or kinesthetic learners.
For Example: For a student who is learning to read and write common CVC (consonant, vowel, consonant) words, you could have them create the words using magnetic letters. This would give them the opportunity to use tactile objects to enhance their learning. Also, the students will enjoy using the magnets and that will increase their engagement in the lesson.
