Monday, February 16, 2009

Article Assessment 2

Assistive Technologies for Reading
By
Ted Hasselbring and Margaret Bausch
Overview:
Assistive technology can help students with learning disabilities struggling to master grade-level work in inclusive classrooms. It is staggering to learn that approximately half of the six million students receiving specialized services for an identified disability are learning disabled. Studies have shown that assistive technologies are far more commonly used with students who manifest physical or sensory disabilities than those with learning disabilities.
Hasselbring and Bausch describe two very interesting computer software applications that support learning disabled students in reading material at grade level: Read & Write Gold and READ 180. Both have produced amazing results.

Reference Points:

1. Read 180 strengthens students' reading experiences and skills by supplying "anchor videos" giving overall background for various topics.
2. Read & Write Gold uses synthetic speech to read text aloud while a student watches the text scroll on a computer screen, and includes features to help hesitant writers compose.
3. “Instructional technologies are mere vehicles that deliver instruction but do not influence student achievement any more than the truck that delivers our groceries causes changes in our nutrition.” (Richard Clark, 1983).
4. Improved learning for all students depends on the quality of the instruction. Currently, students with special needs are being educated in inclusive classrooms where they are expected to perform grade-level work but not always given specialized support.
5. Teachers are searching for ways to educate students with disabilities more effectively. New technologies make it possible for students with disabilities to learn from good instruction.
6. When assistive technology is used creatively and skillfully, it can help any student achieve results never imagined.

Significance:

Since technology is just about everywhere, and in every classroom, teachers need to become more aware of the possibilities. They can do this by reading articles like this, networking with colleagues, and experimenting with students. Sometimes, you won't know until you've tried a certain technology on a struggling student. It might take time and patients for some people to adapt, but in the end the reward of seeing the light bulb go on is priceless.