Adaptive/Assistive Technology
What are adaptive/assistive technologies?
The Assistive Technology Act of 2004 defines an assistive technology device in the following way:
…any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. (29 U.S.C. Sec 2202(2))
AT devices can be “low tech,” “medium tech,” or “high tech”. The following examples are assistive technology tools aimed to help support 4th grade students within the content area of Library skills. Each assistive technology will discuss the benefits and successes that students can achieve with the technology. Specific assistive technology products are directly linked for users.
…any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. (29 U.S.C. Sec 2202(2))
AT devices can be “low tech,” “medium tech,” or “high tech”. The following examples are assistive technology tools aimed to help support 4th grade students within the content area of Library skills. Each assistive technology will discuss the benefits and successes that students can achieve with the technology. Specific assistive technology products are directly linked for users.
Students with Cognitive Difficulties
Cognitive difficulties are associated with mild disabilities. This includes difficulties with intellectual ability, attention deficits, memory, and thinking skills. Students with cognitive difficulties have issues with reading, writing, memory, and retention of information. Productivity software, other software materials, and online resources can be used to develop reading, writing, and mathematics skills. The goal of educators should be to balance remediation of skill deficits with activities that develop creative, higher order thinking skills (Roblyer, 2016).
Bookshare is the world’s largest online library of accessible ebooks. Students with learning disabilities or visual impairments have difficulty reading print books. Often, they need accommodations like audio, large print, or braille to make classroom and homework materials accessible. Members of Bookshare can listen to words read aloud, follow along with highlighted text, read with large fonts, and read in braille. Bookshare provides equal learning opportunities for students who need reading accommodations. Members of Bookshare receive free reading tools they can use on computers, Chromebooks, tablets, and smartphones.
Benefits in the Library: Students who use this web tool will be more successful in developing their reading skills. It will be helpful for students to see a word, hear a word, and see it highlighted while they are reading. This will help students to develop their literacy and reading fluency. Students can also define words, which can improve their vocabulary. Students are also able to hear text read aloud to them, which can improve their fluency as well. All of these features are not available in the printed books that are offered on the shelves of my library.
Benefits in the Library: Students who use this web tool will be more successful in developing their reading skills. It will be helpful for students to see a word, hear a word, and see it highlighted while they are reading. This will help students to develop their literacy and reading fluency. Students can also define words, which can improve their vocabulary. Students are also able to hear text read aloud to them, which can improve their fluency as well. All of these features are not available in the printed books that are offered on the shelves of my library.
Portable Word Processor
The Forte Portable Word Processor is a lightweight device that looks like a computer keyboard with a screen. It can be helpful for students with cognitive disabilities that affect handwriting and spelling and the ability to put thoughts on paper. This tool helps keep the student focused--there is no internet, no games, no distractions. Students can type information into the device and later transfer it to a computer. These tools will help students with cognitive disabilities remember, organize, and process information more efficiently when completing writing activities.
Benefits in the Library: In my library, the students complete various research projects, writing projects, and book reports. Some students have difficulties writing because they either have poor handwriting and spelling skills or lack the attention to complete lengthy writing projects. This tool will help students record their thoughts and complete their writing projects. Because there is no internet or added programs, students with attention difficulties will not be distracted as they work to complete their projects.
Benefits in the Library: In my library, the students complete various research projects, writing projects, and book reports. Some students have difficulties writing because they either have poor handwriting and spelling skills or lack the attention to complete lengthy writing projects. This tool will help students record their thoughts and complete their writing projects. Because there is no internet or added programs, students with attention difficulties will not be distracted as they work to complete their projects.
Students with Physical Disabilities
Physical disabilities affect a person’s mobility and agility. These difficulties may involve gross or fine motor movement. A team of specialists--occupational therapists, physical therapists, rehabilitation engineers, and assistive technology specialists work together to assess the need for assistive technology. Assistive technology for those with physical disabilities should be tools that allow for access and control so that an individual can function in all environments including home, school, the community, and work (Roblyer, 2016).
Trackballs:A trackball is an alternative to a traditional mouse. They are helpful for individuals who have difficulty with mobility and difficulty with fine motor functions. Trackballs require much less wrist movement than a traditional mouse and provide users with a pain free computing experience.
Benefits in the Library: By providing a trackball for students with physical disabilities, they will be able to maneuver better on electronic devices as they search for books and online resources using Destiny, our Library Management System. Students would also be able to navigate to online library skills games. Trackball mice would also aid students with physical disabilities as they maneuver through electronic devices to complete library projects.
Benefits in the Library: By providing a trackball for students with physical disabilities, they will be able to maneuver better on electronic devices as they search for books and online resources using Destiny, our Library Management System. Students would also be able to navigate to online library skills games. Trackball mice would also aid students with physical disabilities as they maneuver through electronic devices to complete library projects.
Big Keys Keyboard: Alternative keyboards or specifically the BigKeys Keyboard can be used with a laptop, computer, or iPad. This keyboard is the size of a standard keyboard with 1" square keys. This is 4 times larger than a standard key. A switch allows the user to choose the keyboard layout that best fits their needs, QWERTY for standard use or ABC for easy learning. It also has an Assist Mode, a built in sticky key feature, allowing the user to enter multiple keyboard functions without simultaneous key presses. An alternative keyboard aids a user who has difficulty controlling their motor skills. It enables the user who has difficulty with their hand movements and using a standard keyboard.
Benefits in the Library: Alternative keyboards would make it possible for a person with physical disabilities to type in the search field within our online Destiny Library Management System. This would allow the students to be able to look for books to read and access online resources. By using alternative keyboards, students with physical disabilities would also be able to type information as they complete assigned research papers, book reports, and projects. Students would also be able to navigate to online library skills games. Some adaptive keyboards also have software available that has word completion recognition. This feature allows a user to begin typing a word and then it will complete it for them. This would be helpful for students who have difficulty typing up a story or other writing pieces that have been assigned in the library. For students who have physical difficulty typing, it would enable them to be successful in typing up a document more quickly. Therefore, students would have success in publishing their document and even success typing it within appropriate designated class time.
Benefits in the Library: Alternative keyboards would make it possible for a person with physical disabilities to type in the search field within our online Destiny Library Management System. This would allow the students to be able to look for books to read and access online resources. By using alternative keyboards, students with physical disabilities would also be able to type information as they complete assigned research papers, book reports, and projects. Students would also be able to navigate to online library skills games. Some adaptive keyboards also have software available that has word completion recognition. This feature allows a user to begin typing a word and then it will complete it for them. This would be helpful for students who have difficulty typing up a story or other writing pieces that have been assigned in the library. For students who have physical difficulty typing, it would enable them to be successful in typing up a document more quickly. Therefore, students would have success in publishing their document and even success typing it within appropriate designated class time.
Students with Sensory Disabilities
Sensory disabilities involve impairments associated with loss of hearing or vision. This includes persons who are blind, partially sighted, deaf, or hearing impaired. Assistive technologies include tools that convert printed information, screen readers, closed circuit television, and assistive listening devices (Roblyer, 2016).
FM Systems
When using an FM system, the teacher wears a wireless microphone. Students with hearing impairments or those with auditory processing difficulties wear receivers that amplify the teacher's voice. The FM device is very portable and can be used in any room. While the FM system works to amplify human voices, it also works for movies or other audio sources.
Benefits in the Library: Using an FM system would benefit student comprehension as I read books aloud to the class, show informational videos, and present various library lessons. When noise levels increase as the students look for library books and work on tasks, students with hearing loss might struggle to differentiate important speech sounds – such as my voice – from the surrounding noise. In these situations, the FM technology would help students better hear and respond to the my directions, improving their performance as a result.
Pearl and OpenBook
OpenBook is software that converts printed documents or text into an electronic format on your PC. It then converts the printed text to human-like speech in many languages. It is software designed to enhance success for people who are blind or have low vision who need access to printed and electronic materials. In conjunction with the PEARL document scanner, OpenBook creates a complete scanning and reading system for home, school, or work.
Benefits in the Library: This device and software allows students with visual impairments to access the information they need from print books found in my library in order to read for enjoyment or learn new information from nonfiction resources as they complete projects for the library and school. Students can also use these devices to complete worksheets assigned in class that teach various library skills like genres, the dewey decimal system, fiction and nonfiction books, etc.
FM Systems
When using an FM system, the teacher wears a wireless microphone. Students with hearing impairments or those with auditory processing difficulties wear receivers that amplify the teacher's voice. The FM device is very portable and can be used in any room. While the FM system works to amplify human voices, it also works for movies or other audio sources.
Benefits in the Library: Using an FM system would benefit student comprehension as I read books aloud to the class, show informational videos, and present various library lessons. When noise levels increase as the students look for library books and work on tasks, students with hearing loss might struggle to differentiate important speech sounds – such as my voice – from the surrounding noise. In these situations, the FM technology would help students better hear and respond to the my directions, improving their performance as a result.
Pearl and OpenBook
OpenBook is software that converts printed documents or text into an electronic format on your PC. It then converts the printed text to human-like speech in many languages. It is software designed to enhance success for people who are blind or have low vision who need access to printed and electronic materials. In conjunction with the PEARL document scanner, OpenBook creates a complete scanning and reading system for home, school, or work.
Benefits in the Library: This device and software allows students with visual impairments to access the information they need from print books found in my library in order to read for enjoyment or learn new information from nonfiction resources as they complete projects for the library and school. Students can also use these devices to complete worksheets assigned in class that teach various library skills like genres, the dewey decimal system, fiction and nonfiction books, etc.
At-Risk Students
At-risk students require temporary or on-going intervention in order to succeed. The characteristics of an at-risk student include:
- Emotional or behavioral problems
- Truancy
- Low academic performance
- Showing a low interest for academics
- Expressing a disconnection from the school environment (Roblyer, 2016).
Fire Kids Edition:The Fire Kids Edition offers at-risk students the opportunity to interact with reading material and learning applications in a fun and engaging manner. With the FreeTime feature, one can select all of the content your students can see, and one can limit the student's screen time by content type—for example, you may choose to limit videos and games, but make reading time unlimited. The Amazon FreeTime web browser can be turned on and students can access more than 40,000 age-appropriate YouTube videos and websites that are carefully selected to ensure they are appropriate for kids. Additional websites may be added by an adult if they choose to.
Benefits in the Library: This device would be beneficial to an at-risk student in the library because it might be something they might not otherwise have access to other than at school. It is colorful and engaging. Since students are so attracted to technology, access to an e-reader might be more enticing for a reluctant at-risk reader. The age appropriate websites and videos might benefit the students as they research information and complete library assignments.
Benefits in the Library: This device would be beneficial to an at-risk student in the library because it might be something they might not otherwise have access to other than at school. It is colorful and engaging. Since students are so attracted to technology, access to an e-reader might be more enticing for a reluctant at-risk reader. The age appropriate websites and videos might benefit the students as they research information and complete library assignments.
Mrs. Roy’s Links for Kids
There are not many websites dedicated to the area of library skills and learning library skills is not the most engaging for young students. This site is an interactive learning tool filled with games, videos, and resources to help a student understand various aspects of the library including the parts of a book, genres, and the dewey decimal system. It also provides research tools and age appropriate links to other subject areas.
Benefits in the Library: At-risk students will find that the games and resources on this website might be more suitable for understanding the library concepts discussed in class. The aspects of the website are more engaging for the at-risk student and might entice him/her to show an interest in a subject area that they might not otherwise have shown an interest in.
There are not many websites dedicated to the area of library skills and learning library skills is not the most engaging for young students. This site is an interactive learning tool filled with games, videos, and resources to help a student understand various aspects of the library including the parts of a book, genres, and the dewey decimal system. It also provides research tools and age appropriate links to other subject areas.
Benefits in the Library: At-risk students will find that the games and resources on this website might be more suitable for understanding the library concepts discussed in class. The aspects of the website are more engaging for the at-risk student and might entice him/her to show an interest in a subject area that they might not otherwise have shown an interest in.
Gifted and Talented Students
Technology can improve the quality of education for students with special gifts and talents in two primary ways:
- It provides differentiated instruction.
- It provides a creative outlet for their work (Roblyer, 2016).
Museum Field Trip
This site provides links to online museum field trips that are perfect for a student needing accelerated learning opportunities. Students can use this site to research and explore a museum based on the topic of their choice. Work can be self-paced and integrate multiple facets of the curriculum into their individual learning.
Benefits in the Library: Gifted and talented students thrive on extended learning opportunities and the creativity involved in guiding their own learning. Research opportunities are limitless with virtual museum field trips.
This site provides links to online museum field trips that are perfect for a student needing accelerated learning opportunities. Students can use this site to research and explore a museum based on the topic of their choice. Work can be self-paced and integrate multiple facets of the curriculum into their individual learning.
Benefits in the Library: Gifted and talented students thrive on extended learning opportunities and the creativity involved in guiding their own learning. Research opportunities are limitless with virtual museum field trips.
iMovie
Students can use video or photo clips, add titles, music, and effects to create cinema quality films on a MAC or iOS and then share the videos via Vimeo, Messages, Facebook, or YouTube.
Benefits in the Library: In the library, gifted and talented students can research current events and create a documentary to support their research, create a movie based on a biography they have read, or students can create book trailers to share with other students for books they have read in the library. The added technology and publishing aspects provide additional stimulation and high-level expectations for gifted students.
Students can use video or photo clips, add titles, music, and effects to create cinema quality films on a MAC or iOS and then share the videos via Vimeo, Messages, Facebook, or YouTube.
Benefits in the Library: In the library, gifted and talented students can research current events and create a documentary to support their research, create a movie based on a biography they have read, or students can create book trailers to share with other students for books they have read in the library. The added technology and publishing aspects provide additional stimulation and high-level expectations for gifted students.
Resources:
Assistive technology act (2016, June). In Center for parent information and resources. Retrieved November 21, 2016, from http://www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/ata/
Roblyer, M. D. (2016). Integrating educational technology into teaching (7th ed., pp. 400-418). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Assistive technology act (2016, June). In Center for parent information and resources. Retrieved November 21, 2016, from http://www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/ata/
Roblyer, M. D. (2016). Integrating educational technology into teaching (7th ed., pp. 400-418). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.