Overview

All kids learn in different ways. With more students with disabilities being included in today's classrooms, teachers must vary how they present information, structure student assignments and test comprehension (Schwabb, 2002). Technology can provide curricular materials in alternate formats so that more children can learn. Education Technologies with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) features help to create a learning environment that allows all students to succeed.

By applying this broader design standard, classroom technology is able to be used by all children in more invisible and normalized ways. Students with and without disabilities can benefit from classroom products that incorporate these design principles. Let's consider the benefits of a Sound Field system in a primary classroom:

• All students clearly hear the speaker in any position from any area of the room
• Students pay attention and stay on task longer
• Students with hearing impairments can participate
• Students stay focused; they do not need to look up at the speaker in order to hear cues
• Classroom personnel attending after hour workshops report less fatigue and higher interest

Universal Design Resources

The Center for Universal Design
Principles of Universal Design

Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST)
UDL Center at CAst

Research Connections (Fall, 1999)
Universal Design: Ensuring Access to the General Education Curriculum

David H. Rose & Anne Meyer (2002)
Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age: Universal Design for Learning

Statistics: Classroom Computer Use

Although technology use goes beyond the classroom computer, its increased availability in the classroom, connection to the Internet and ability to provide instruction in alternate formats make it a prime classroom tool.

How technology-ready are schools?

Several resources(pdf) were used to provide a picture of technology availability and use in today's classrooms.

Computer Availability and Use

• The ratio of students to computers is 5 to 1- up from 6 to 1 in 1999
• 99% of schools have computers
• 66% of teachers use computers for classroom instruction

School Internet Access

• The ratio of students to computers with Internet access is 7 to 1- up from 9 to 1 in 1999
• 98% of schools now have some sort of access to the Internet, someplace in their building
  • Internet Connections types;
  • 77% of instructional rooms have Internet access

Teacher Use of the Internet

• 59% have Internet access at home
• 39% of teachers with access to computers + Internet use them to create instructional materials and administrative record keeping.
• 68% use the Internet to find information resources for use in their lessons (equal home+school use)
  • 28% do this on a weekly basis
  • 30% expect students to use the Internet for information gathering ("web searches")
• 66% use it for class time instruction

Teacher Training

• 90% have had some computer training.
• 23% feel "very well prepared" and 10% more feel "prepared" to use technology (computers/Internet) effectively
  • These teachers have more teaching experience and 32 hours+ of professional development
• Need more training and support
  • in Multi-media and Internet use.
• Less than 30% of schools have a full-time education technology coordinator.

Resources

NCES Report: Internet Use (OERI: May, 2001)

Neilsen Ratings

Becker, Henry Jay (1999). Internet Use By Teachers. Center for Research on Information Technology and Organizations.

Guerard, Elizabeth B. (11/13/00) Quality Education Data: Teacher internet use grows more sophisticated. eSchool News.

Teaching Learning and Computing Reports

Improved Access with Classroom Instructional Media Tools

Traditional classroom environments have included standard equipment such as chalk boards, overhead projectors, and TV/VCR combinations to aid instruction and learning. More and more teachers rely on a variety of newer media technology in the classroom, including laptops with DVD's and multi-media projection systems. In fact a recent survey by Philips Electronics indicates that more than 65% of teachers have access to projection systems that allow the entire class to view a video or computer program on a full wall screen. These media technologies provide greater flexibility for alternative teaching methods.

Article: Multimedia Projectors: A Key Component in the Classroom of the Future (pdf) by Marjon de Groot. (THE Journal, June 2002) sc

Several technologies are available to further enhance the use of existing media systems and increase access for all students by addressing their sensory, cognitive and physical abilities.

Displaying Information

Chalkboards have traditionally been used to display information. Overhead projectors can display transparencies with enlarged and colorful materials, making them easier to see for group activities. In recent years, other technologies have emerged:

GeoSafari Theater
For teachers using GeoSafari® Boards and overlays, you can project them onto a wall or screen for the entire classroom to see and interact with! Use the Theater unit on any standard overhead projector with special lesson card transparencies. This feature provides access to students by increasing the size of the question and answer fields.

Computers & Projection Systems hers

Whiteboards
Whiteboards have replaced chalkboards or been added as classroom equipment with colorful pens used to highlight and organize learning. Versions are available that, when connected to a computer, capture what is displayed to save, print or send by email. Webster Touch Sensitive Series (PolyVision)

SmartBoards (Smart Technologies)
The SMART Board is an affordable interactive whiteboard that works with a computer and a multi-media projection system to create a powerful tool for teaching, discussing and learning. With a computer image projected onto the Board, the surface becomes a touch screen to control any application. You can interrupt the application to highlight key information with a color electronic pen. Or use the Board as a chalkboard to list instructions, draw diagrams, offer notes, illustrate ideas and highlight important information. You can capture the information at any time, print it out, save it or email it to your students and colleagues.

Sound Amplification Systems

Better acoustics in classrooms benefit both teachers and children. "Background noise from loud ventilation systems, activity outside the classroom, and poor acoustics can lead to voice problems for teachers and create unhealthy learning environments. Technology and improved acoustics can help". (K. Anderson) In addition, many children have undiagnosed hearing problems especially children with other disabilities.

Sound Field Systems

Classrooms can be wired with Sound Field amplification systems for improved classroom acoustics. As the teacher speaks into a microphone, her voice is amplified to the entire class through speakers at several locations in the classroom. This system allows the teacher to be heard at equal volume in all areas of the room regardless of position. In addition, the speakers override the background noise for all of the students in the classroom. Students with and without disabilities are able to better perceive what is being said and stay focused longer with fewer distractions.

Portable Wireless Systems

Several wireless systems are also available for portable use by individual students.

TV/VCR

TV/VCR units are standard equipment in many classrooms. Have you noticed children straining to comprehend what is on the screen or paying little attention to the screen? Making sure all students have equal access to the information displayed on the screen can be enhanced through the following resources.

Captions
Videos and television programs display text written on the screen as words are spoken and sounds are made by decoding captions that are hidden in the video signal. They are similar to subtitles except with sound effects noted. Televisions made after 1993 include a decoder to allow captioning to appear on the screen. Videotapes must have captions placed on them prior to distribution. Look for CC or NCI markings on the tapes. Captions help many students to better understand what they are watching.
Caption FAQ's

Descriptive Video
Actions on the video are fully described as they happen so that persons with visual impairments can receive the full benefits of a video or DVD recording. Visit the WGBH Caption Center for more information.

Electronic Learning Tools

Electronic devices are increasingly found in classrooms to help kids practice what they know. Students with disabilities often benefit from their use in becoming more independent and proficient.

GeoSafari (Educational Insights)
This programmable electronic learning game board uses lesson packs developed in different content areas for questions for practice and repetition. Lessons can also be created. Adjustable response time allows for different skill levels.

There are several sources of electronic educational games for students in elementary grades. Practice what you know on talking globes to twisting math devices. Here are 2 to check out:

Talking Geosafari Globe (Educational Insights)	Twist and Shout Addition (1-12) (Leap Frog Products)

Leap Pad Learning System (Leap Frog Products)
You can place a book on the LeapPad, pop in the cartridge and use the attached Leap Pad pen to hear words and stories read out loud, learn letter sounds, hear colorful characters come alive, and play learning games. Additional activity books can be purchased; preschool version is also available.

Reference Materials

Electronic devices are increasingly found in classrooms to help kids practice what they know. Kids with disabilities often benefit from their use in becoming more independent.

Students may experience difficulty getting to reference materials and using them. Hand held electronic talking (dictionary/thesaurus) devices are available to aid vocabulary development. The Franklin website offers a range of reference devices. A couple of classroom favorites are listed below:

copyright © 2000 - 2005 Assistive Technology Training Online Project

Computers and Adjustments Writing Devices Concept Mapping & Outlining Computers offer several adjustable features that can provide alternate access for students. Information is available within this website on the following options: OS System options e-Readers for ebooks Scanners and OCR to translate text into electronic format Text-to-speech Voice dictation Cameras, video cams   Writing Devices Although computers can become virtual reading and writing machines with access to software programs, students often need durable, light-weight (2lbs.) portable note takers for school, home and community environments. These devices allow you to "send" your notes to a computer word processing program to edit after class. Some include text-to-speech or infra-red options. AlphaSmart note takers Laser PC6 CalcuScribe   CalcuScribe (QWERTY) Concept Mapping & Outlining There are several software program available that assist with organizing information for students. This is a useful tool for group or individual work. Inspiration and Kidspiration offer electronic concept mapping with simultaneous outlining function. Elements can be added to either version and reflected in both. Insert example.   Draft Builder (Don Johnston, Inc)- outlining and graphical versions share the same screen so that relationships between levels and items are apparent.

copyright © 2000 - 2005 Assistive Technology Training Online Project

copyright © 2000 - 2005 Assistive Technology Training Online Project