Discusses technological difficulties and cultural responsibilities in the classroom.

1. Assistive Technology

2. “Assistive technology refers to a variety of devices (and services related to their
use) aimed at helping persons with disabilities and special education/
rehabilitation needs to function better within their daily context and achieve a
higher quality of life.” (Lancioni, Sigafoos, O’Reilly, & Singh, 2012)

3. Planning Together
● It’s beneficial for everyone when instructors
collaborate with other instructors
● Lessons should be videotaped and reviewed by
peers for feedback
● Professional learning communities (PLCs) work
together to achieve instructional effectiveness
● Technology can be used to share reports,
lessons, training, or support

4. Working together to resolve technological problems
Students can be very influential in resolving technical difficulties. Most families
nowadays have phones, tablets, laptops, and smart house devices. They are the
first line to resolving some of the issues instructors may have. Instructors should
take advantage of this. Children minds are sponges and they have access to
information that we may not be privy to.
Some schools are encouraging students to bring their own devices. This
eliminates the need to have technical support.

5. ● Discover the problem
● Identify possible solutions
● Try all the solutions and see which one works
● After seeing how the solutions work retest to ensure all technical issues have been
resolved

6. Technology as a Collaborative Learning Tool
Instructors should create lessons where students will work together to complete the
assignments. In the process of completing an assignment students will learn how to
communicate effectively with one another. It’s easier to collaborate today because of all
the new technological inventions via social media, such as Skpe, FaceTime, Instagram,
Blogs, and all the many numerous free downloadable apps. This causes students to
problem-solve, creative thinking and improve social skills.

7. Diversity/
Culture
Diversity in the Classroom
● Instructors need to recognize
the diverse groups of students
in their classroom.
● Lessons should be centered,
as much as possible, around
the differences of the group.
● Instructors should recognize
the students background and
build upon their previous
knowledge of the lessons.

8. Instructors will need to understand their students strengths and weaknesses. The best way
to respect and understand the students is to ask the students to share their cultures on a
regular basis. During lessons taught ask questions to every student about what is
practiced at home. They must feel comfortable that no one is judging them.
Instructors must also provide a culturally responsive learning environment. This will enable
students to feel at ease and accepted for who they are. It will prevent them from feeling
ashamed about some of their cultural norms, behaviors, or traditions. Students should feel
comfortable sharing.

10. Summary
The classroom should be a collaboration of thoughts and ideals between teacher and
student to improve the quality of lessons taught. Teachers should use accessible
resources within students to bridge the gap between technological inconsistencies.
Classrooms should welcome the various diversities within the four walls. Respect must be
shown to each and every student regarding cultural norms, behaviors, and backgrounds.
Together everyone will be on the same page.

11. Reference
Lancioni, G. E., Sigafoos, J., O’Reilly, M.F., & Singh,
N.N. (2012). Defining Assistive Technology and the
Target Populations. Assistive Technology Autism
and Child Psychopathology Series, 1-9.
doi:10.1007/978-1-4614-4229-5_1
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. and Ertmer, P. (n.d.).
Technology integration for meaningful classroom
use. 3rd ed. Boston: Cengage.