Types of Assistive Technology for the Classroom
Some students need a little extra help in the classroom in order to get the most out of their educational experiences. For these students, often serviced by special education programs, assistive technology can be the key to school success. Assistive technology is a general term applied to any technological device that helps students learn better in the classroom or makes learning possible for students who have difficulties.
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Online Dictionaries
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Some students need to use dictionaries in order to understand vocabulary as they read, or to translate words from their native language into the classroom language (and vice versa). Students who need this can use an online dictionary from any computer with Internet access. Sites such as Dictionary.com, Wordweb.info, and Wordcentral.com can help students with their definition and translating needs.
Basic Devices
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Some regular classroom devices can be helpful for students on a regular basis. Calculators, for example, help students who have learning disabilities related to math; sometimes, a child's Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) will stipulate that she needs to be able to use a calculator on any test in a math classroom. Using a computer for typing instead of writing by hand can also be an assistive technology option for some students who may have difficulty holding a pencil or forming legible handwriting. Some students may also benefit from using tape recorders in class to record lectures and class discussions and then refer to them later in study sessions.
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Computer Adaptations
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Though using the computer itself can be an example of assistive technology, there are also products on the market that adapt the computer to make it more accessible to students. Some students may use alternative keyboards that contain photos or pictures instead of traditional keys. Other students may use voice-command software to speak instructions to the computers, while others need a specially modified mouse to navigate the computer's menus.
Vision Assistance
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Students with visual impairments may need adaptive devices in the classroom. They may get Braille text books, large-print handouts, or screen magnifiers for the computer. They may also require larger keyboards for typing in order to hand in written assignments.
Hearing Assistance
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Students can wear hearing aids in the classroom to help with hearing problems. Some teachers can also use microphones as they teach to make their lectures more audible for all students. Students may also use type-to-talk devices to communicate with others; with this technology, they type what they want to say and the machine speaks for them.
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