Lack of Technology in Classrooms
Special Needs students can be technologically advanced too!
Genius Hour Question
Why is there a lack of technology in special needs classrooms?
- Need for more funding
- Lack of teachers who are qualified
- Lack of professional development in technology
- Lack of enthusiasm for technology
How can technology effectively help students and teachers in the classroom for those who have special needs?
- Expand professional development in technology
- Increase Internet access and software issues and IT support
- Make technology advocates
- Find grants for additional funding
How Can Technology be incorporated for Special Needs Students?
- Talk to the parents to see if they are affected by the LED lights from computers, to make sure you are not triggering off anything
- Ask the students do they know how to use the technology
- Each month the school should host a technology based seminar that will help increase teacher's knowledge of how to use apps and devices
- During the school year and summer, the technology should be checked in the classrooms to make sure they are up to date and functioning properly
- There should be a timeline for laptops (if available) to be checked out by each classroom and to be incorporated to meet standards for each lesson
Ideas to help with Lessons
Try out these 11 ideas or make up your own! You'll be surprised how many special needs students enjoy the arts. Try some music apps (Garage Band) and see if they can make a hit song for Math or Science.
21st Century Classroom
No longer can we find a chalk board in the classrooms or posters. We are in the age of smart boards where teachers can write notes and save them with a click of a button. So why not incorporate laptops for special needs students to use. They student can teach the teachers a few ways to look at various concepts in a different light.
Global Citizens
Just because special needs students have a need that is different from students who do not have an IEP does not mean that they should not be able to be technologically advanced. Let them decide if technology is right for them. It's the student's choice!
Importance???
This is important because every student has the right to have an education that helps them become a better citizen for the world. Each student is unique and with the way technology is improving this may be a way to help bridge the gap. This may help students teach a concept better to each other by using educational apps. Technology is the friend and not the enemy.