Technology for Students with Autism
In the 21st century where students of the Netgeneration are constantly communicating at high speed levels, accessing large amounts of information at their fingertips, staying connected, and processing much quicker it actually opens up a door for students with disabilities. One of the aspects that is most difficult for the student population that I work with is "fitting in." Social skills, relating emotionally, and engaging in conversations are painstakingly hard for students with disabilities most times. The innovative technological tools that are available in today's society have opened up a window of opportunity for my students.
Carrying around an iPAD to use in order to check a class schedule, keep point systems with a behavior plan, type assignments, or even use a social skills app to put nerves at ease before starting a social conversation all appears "normal" in the 21st Century. This technology affords my students need to have a visual schedule, use a behavior system, and getting assistance with social conversations. All stored in one tool that is "in" style wise. Gone are the days of stares with students who carry around Velcro visual schedules, star chart behavioral systems, or a social story picture book on how to spark a social conversation. Technology has greatly enhanced the lives of my students with disabilities and I am very excited about what the future holds for them and all of these new "tools."
All these tools that you talk about seem so benifical to students and I just wish that there was access to them for the students that are in my school. They are all still walking around with the velcro and pictures, which by the way is VERY destracting to them. If the teachers who supported these students had access to these tools the students would be quicker to learn an apply the skills and might not need the support when they get to your level. They are all great ideas!
ReplyDelete