In a classroom setting where students are diverse, an educator is bound to have some students along the way who have learning difficulties and disabilities. This can at times be frustrating for the student as they begin to fall behind in understanding and/or classroom work. This can escalate to a point where the student begins to think they are not smart enough to accomplish the work or understand what the teacher is trying to communicate. This can lead to attitude and behavior problems. Therefore it is very important for educators to be familiar with assistive technology which is available and its accessibility features in order to have the knowledge to offer solutions for a student's learning challenges. Researching and gaining this knowledge is an effort worth making to help break down any barriers the student may have in their education.
When a student has been identified as having a disability a teacher should think about tools to help overcome their challenges in the classroom. When thinking about using assistive technology and accessibility features to help it is important to consider the individual with the disability. Every person is unique and even two students who have similar disabilities may need different tools that work with the way they are wired. A teacher should assess a student’s needs and collaborate with colleagues and family members of the student to determine the best technology for the student. After that technology should be selected and given to the student for a trial with supervision then reevaluated to see if it was a good fit. An educator should be familiar with the device given to a particular student and its accessibility features in order to help the student if they have problems so operating the device meant to help does not become another challenge to learning.
Angela,
ReplyDeleteI think it is important that you acknowledged the psychological dimensions students can face when their work is not up to par. This elevates the need for students to be supported before they fail or experience frustration at an unhealthy extreme. It is true that the right tools can prevent feelings of failure, overwhelm, and unnecessary work on the part of the teacher.
Thank you for sharing!
I appreciate the fact that you were very real in stating that teachers need to support our students no matter if they have a learning disability or are considered "normal". If we fail to do this as a teacher we are not living up to what we have said we are going to do. Keeping students motivated allows for lots of learning to take place. The way we do this as a teacher is important and finding students strengths or what can help them show them effectively is crucial in having a classroom that is excited to learn.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the fact that you were very real in stating that teachers need to support our students no matter if they have a learning disability or are considered "normal". If we fail to do this as a teacher we are not living up to what we have said we are going to do. Keeping students motivated allows for lots of learning to take place. The way we do this as a teacher is important and finding students strengths or what can help them show them effectively is crucial in having a classroom that is excited to learn.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the fact that you were very real in stating that teachers need to support our students no matter if they have a learning disability or are considered "normal". If we fail to do this as a teacher we are not living up to what we have said we are going to do. Keeping students motivated allows for lots of learning to take place. The way we do this as a teacher is important and finding students strengths or what can help them show them effectively is crucial in having a classroom that is excited to learn.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts on personalized learning. As a current Special Education teacher, I have seen first hand how the student's academic abilities can affect their attitude and behavior when it comes to school. I agree that there are so many tools and technologies available to teachers to help all students become successful, regardless of their disabilities. I also completely agree that this is a collaborative effort. Many times students work with more than one teacher, as well as their parents at home. Through collaboration we can ensure that students are being provided what they need in a consistent way. Great job, and thanks again for sharing your thoughts!
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