Assistive Technology

This was actually the most interesting assignment for me.  I honestly thought it was going to be a pain in my behind but it was not at all.  It amazed me at all the adaptive software my computer had that I was not even aware of.  The software adapted for people who are hearing impaired, visually impaired, speaking impaired, and even physically impaired.  For instance, if someone is physically impaired and they can't use a keyboard, there is an onscreen keyboard that can be used by clicking the mouse.  For a visually impaired person, you can adjust the brightness and contrast of the screen where it is easier to see.  For a hearing impaired person, you can change the settings of the computer to have text appear anytime there is someone talking.  I learned SO many useful things from this assignment that I can now use to help my students or other people.  

Assistive Technology falls under the NETS-T standard:

2. Design and Develop Digital Age Learning Experiences and Assessments

Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessment incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS·S.

c. Customize and personalize learning activities to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources

4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility

Teachers understand local and global societal issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital

culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in their professional practices.

b. Address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources

In using assistive technology, you are customizing and personalizing learning activities to fit the needs of students' diverse learning styles.  Every child learns differently and at a different pace, and assistive technology helps address that.  It provides the appropriate digital tools to fit students with disabilities.