Technology has helped transform education by facilitating new forms of learning. Assistive technology enables students with disabilities to perform functions that may otherwise be difficult. Assistive technologies include alternative keyboards, touch screens, and communication devices. Technology also allows students to work cooperatively on research and presentations. It benefits at-risk learners by reducing feelings of being overwhelmed, fostering cooperation, and assessing complex task completion rather than just test scores. However, technology should only be used to enhance lessons, not be the sole focus of every class.

1. Using Technology to Facilitate Learning

2. Technology in the 21st Century Classroom Flip Camera Video Touch Screen Monitors The Elmo Smart Boards

3. Technology has helped shape the curriculum, and revolutionizes the learning process.

4. When people think about integrating technology in the curriculum, they automatically assume desktop computers. Some students’ have an assistive communication device.

5. What is Assistive Technology? Assistive technology is technology used by individuals with disabilities in order to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. Assistive technology can include mobility devices such as walkers and wheelchairs, as well as hardware, software, and peripherals that assist people with disabilities in accessing computers or other information technologies. University of Washington, Initials. (2002). The national center on accessible information technology in education. Retrieved from http://www.washington.edu/accessit/articles?109

6. Types of Assistive Technology Alternative keyboards BoardMaker Pro Touch Screens Microphones Smart Scan Pro Cheap Talk

7. Assistive Technology Samples

8. “Technology can also help students develop cooperative learning relationships, enabling them to work together while researching topics and creating presentations (Meansast, 1997).

9. At-risk Learners Benefit from Technology decreases the child feeling overwhelmed develop cooperative learning relationships school is their way of learning about computer usage graded on their ability to complete a complex task rather than answering multiple choice test questions

10. Food for Thought: Every lesson does not have to be filled with technology Only used to “Enhance” lesson