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EDUC 7101
Transcript for multi-media presentation
Hello,
My name is Troy Gordon. I am here to present my power point on Assistive
Technology and the iPad.
This presentation is designed to provoke thought and promote the innovation of the
iPad as a cutting edge technology tool for the enhancement of learning within the
field of special education.
What is assistive technology?
Assistive technology is defined as any device, piece of equipment or system that
helps bypass, work around or compensate for an individual's specific learning
deficits.
There are many forms of assistive technology. They range from hearing aids to
alternative keyboards to various forms of software.
Access to assistive technology for individuals with disabilities opens the door to
their increased independence in home, school and work settings. Through the aid of
these devices, their learning experiences are enhanced, promoting equality in the
classroom. This often frees them up to establish an identity and releases some of the
day to day stress of the primary care givers.
Who benefits from Assistive Technology? Everyone… Students, teachers, and
parents.
Everyone benefits from AT because the AT gives support to all the participatory
parties involved for the purpose of enhanced instruction.
The iPad as an assistive technology tool within the field of special education is a no
brainer. This tool has the capacity to address a litany of exceptionalities through the
use of an infinite number of apps. The apps provide the support and framework for
much different impairments like autism, hearing impaired and the visually
impaired.
In a 1983 speech Steve Jobs reveals that Apple has been working on the iPad tablet
for roughly 27 years. In his speech he stated that Apple wanted to build a computer
in a book that was mobile and could connect to large databases elsewhere. Assistive
technology needed this innovation because it cut down on the number of devices a
school had to purchase and could invest in only one that could provide multiple
services.
There are many advantages to utilizing the iPad for schools. They are portability,
design, user friendly to name a few.
There are a few disadvantages as well. Some of the disadvantages are no multiple
screen activity, no USB ports and no compatibility with Adobe flash.
There are unlimited options when it comes to utilizing the iPad and its apps for the
purpose of education. The options range from apps that cover the core subjects like
math and science to games for entertainment to apps that address the needs of
students with exceptionalities.
There are many videos and presentations on the Internet that provide insight and
data on the benefits of iPad’s as a tool for assistive technology. Here are a few.
Here is a pre-iPad timeline.
Here is aiPad timeline after its release in 2009.
“One must learn by doing the thing, for though you think you know it, you have no
certainty until you try. (Sophocles, 400 b.c.) The process of knowing filters through
the Decision Innovation Process. There are 5 stages to this process. They are
knowledge, persuasion, decision, implementation, and confirmation.
This is the background information on the innovation and who will adopt.
This is the information that shows why you need to utilize this tool.
If you look at the facts you really only have one choice and that is to adopt.
Creating and designing the implementation portion is very important in the
diffusion process for adoption.
Confirmation is where all the decisions will be made about how many units, when
and where the innovation will be employed.
Apple is one of the most successful companies in the world. The technology
products it has produced have reached best selling in a plethora of categories
ranging from the sales of the iPod, iPhone, and the iPad. These sales have been
fueled by a well conceived marketing and advertising plan that utilize cool ads,
branding and conferences that infuse knowledge and hype about their products.
The iPad rate of adoption has shown yearly increases in sales since its release in
2009.
Steve Jobs has been the leading force behind Apple and all of its major product
releases in the last 30 years.
Early adopters play an essential role in the diffusion of a new innovation.
It is essential that users are provided with the opportunity to get hands on training
with new innovations for the purpose of observability and trialability.
Laggards must be identified immediately and targeted for training and professional
development.
Providing professional development, training, and support by providing peer
mentors should enhance adoption rate within this group.
Achieving critical mass is essential. It is gained through the steps of this process
which is understanding the relative advantage, compatibility, complexity,
observability and trialbility of the innovation.
A “Decentralized Approach” will work best for the adoption of the iPad because of
the peer to peer interaction in the school setting involving both teachers and
students.
This is the target group which we will employ to disseminate the necessary
information to the masses for the purpose of adoption.
The change agents will diagnose the problem or issues, evaluate the system and
provide training and support to the users.
Currently this innovation has not reached critical mass in most schools. Through
this presentation we hope this is where the change begins.
Due to the fact that the iPad has not achieved critical mass within my school system
I believe the first strategy to combat this lack of diffusion would be to target highly
respected professionals that can influence the masses and issue iPad’s for their use
in their classrooms. Once the test group gains confidence and insight into the
innovation have them facilitate a professional development for the purpose of
introducing and teaching the other teachers about the innovation.
The next strategy to be employed is to implement an incentive based system that
rewards the innovators for employing this new innovation in the rituals and
routines of their classroom instruction.
This group of Champions will go out and spread the good word on the innovation.
This group will also provide support and mentoring for the late adopters and
laggards.
Can schools continue to lag behind other industries when it comes to the
implementation of technology when research has shown how effective the use of the
various innovations can be?
This presentation has shown that the iPad can be a tremendous asset to people who
have impairments. Why wouldn’t we utilize a tool that is both affordable and multi-
faceted for people of varied exceptionalities and impairments. Can we continue to
deny them the right to a tool that gives them a voice and their independence? Do we
want to? Is it prudent to the success of our school system to continue to do so?
This concludes my presentation on Assistive Technology and the iPad. I hope this
innovation gets confirmed for adoption because it is truly needed
References
Raskind, M., Stanberry, K. (2012).Assistive technology for kids with LD: An
overview. Retrieved on March 15, 2013 from,
http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/assistive-technology/702-
assistive-technology-for-kids-with-learning-disabilities-an-overview.gs
Rogers, E. (2003).Diffusion of Innovations. New York, NY: Free Press
Stephanie Torreno. (2012, June 6). The Benefits of Assistive Technology in
Schools. Retrieved from
http://www.brighthubeducation.com/special-ed-law/73643-the-benefits-of-
assisstive-technology-in-schools/
Websites
http://apple-history.com/ipad
http://gizmodo.com/5452501/the-apple-tablet-interface-must-be-like-this
http://52tiger.net/brief-history-of-the-ipad-prologue/
http://www.trainsignal.com/blog/ipad-history
http://science.opposingviews.com/benefits-ipad-12418.html
http://monroe.patch.com/blog_posts/the-use-of-ipads-for-special-education
www.atcoalition.org
www.wonderbaby.org
www.edudemic.com
http://www.speakinmotion.com/blog/2013/04/special-apps-special-kids/
http://www.schoolleadership20.com/group/ipadsineducation/forum/topics/17-
pros-and-cons-of-using-ipads-in-the-classroom
http://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-apps
Image Credits
www.loftonspace.com
www.fusd1.org
www.dana.ucc.nau.edu
www.rfbd.cofc.edu
www.rehabtool.com
www.theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com
www.princetonlibrary.org
www.ipad.macrumors.com
www.girlguidingscotland.org.uk
www.homeenergy.org
www.powerretail.com.au
www.msb4change.com
www.mirror.co.uk
http://heldenraceamsterdam2013stichtingderegenboogboom.alvarum.net/teamce
line2
www.quotepaty.com
www.trans.worldvision.com.au

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Educ 7101 multi media presentation transcript.

  • 1. EDUC 7101 Transcript for multi-media presentation Hello, My name is Troy Gordon. I am here to present my power point on Assistive Technology and the iPad. This presentation is designed to provoke thought and promote the innovation of the iPad as a cutting edge technology tool for the enhancement of learning within the field of special education. What is assistive technology? Assistive technology is defined as any device, piece of equipment or system that helps bypass, work around or compensate for an individual's specific learning deficits. There are many forms of assistive technology. They range from hearing aids to alternative keyboards to various forms of software. Access to assistive technology for individuals with disabilities opens the door to their increased independence in home, school and work settings. Through the aid of these devices, their learning experiences are enhanced, promoting equality in the classroom. This often frees them up to establish an identity and releases some of the day to day stress of the primary care givers. Who benefits from Assistive Technology? Everyone… Students, teachers, and parents. Everyone benefits from AT because the AT gives support to all the participatory parties involved for the purpose of enhanced instruction. The iPad as an assistive technology tool within the field of special education is a no brainer. This tool has the capacity to address a litany of exceptionalities through the use of an infinite number of apps. The apps provide the support and framework for much different impairments like autism, hearing impaired and the visually impaired. In a 1983 speech Steve Jobs reveals that Apple has been working on the iPad tablet for roughly 27 years. In his speech he stated that Apple wanted to build a computer in a book that was mobile and could connect to large databases elsewhere. Assistive technology needed this innovation because it cut down on the number of devices a school had to purchase and could invest in only one that could provide multiple services. There are many advantages to utilizing the iPad for schools. They are portability, design, user friendly to name a few.
  • 2. There are a few disadvantages as well. Some of the disadvantages are no multiple screen activity, no USB ports and no compatibility with Adobe flash. There are unlimited options when it comes to utilizing the iPad and its apps for the purpose of education. The options range from apps that cover the core subjects like math and science to games for entertainment to apps that address the needs of students with exceptionalities. There are many videos and presentations on the Internet that provide insight and data on the benefits of iPad’s as a tool for assistive technology. Here are a few. Here is a pre-iPad timeline. Here is aiPad timeline after its release in 2009. “One must learn by doing the thing, for though you think you know it, you have no certainty until you try. (Sophocles, 400 b.c.) The process of knowing filters through the Decision Innovation Process. There are 5 stages to this process. They are knowledge, persuasion, decision, implementation, and confirmation. This is the background information on the innovation and who will adopt. This is the information that shows why you need to utilize this tool. If you look at the facts you really only have one choice and that is to adopt. Creating and designing the implementation portion is very important in the diffusion process for adoption. Confirmation is where all the decisions will be made about how many units, when and where the innovation will be employed. Apple is one of the most successful companies in the world. The technology products it has produced have reached best selling in a plethora of categories ranging from the sales of the iPod, iPhone, and the iPad. These sales have been fueled by a well conceived marketing and advertising plan that utilize cool ads, branding and conferences that infuse knowledge and hype about their products. The iPad rate of adoption has shown yearly increases in sales since its release in 2009. Steve Jobs has been the leading force behind Apple and all of its major product releases in the last 30 years. Early adopters play an essential role in the diffusion of a new innovation.
  • 3. It is essential that users are provided with the opportunity to get hands on training with new innovations for the purpose of observability and trialability. Laggards must be identified immediately and targeted for training and professional development. Providing professional development, training, and support by providing peer mentors should enhance adoption rate within this group. Achieving critical mass is essential. It is gained through the steps of this process which is understanding the relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, observability and trialbility of the innovation. A “Decentralized Approach” will work best for the adoption of the iPad because of the peer to peer interaction in the school setting involving both teachers and students. This is the target group which we will employ to disseminate the necessary information to the masses for the purpose of adoption. The change agents will diagnose the problem or issues, evaluate the system and provide training and support to the users. Currently this innovation has not reached critical mass in most schools. Through this presentation we hope this is where the change begins. Due to the fact that the iPad has not achieved critical mass within my school system I believe the first strategy to combat this lack of diffusion would be to target highly respected professionals that can influence the masses and issue iPad’s for their use in their classrooms. Once the test group gains confidence and insight into the innovation have them facilitate a professional development for the purpose of introducing and teaching the other teachers about the innovation. The next strategy to be employed is to implement an incentive based system that rewards the innovators for employing this new innovation in the rituals and routines of their classroom instruction. This group of Champions will go out and spread the good word on the innovation. This group will also provide support and mentoring for the late adopters and laggards. Can schools continue to lag behind other industries when it comes to the implementation of technology when research has shown how effective the use of the various innovations can be? This presentation has shown that the iPad can be a tremendous asset to people who have impairments. Why wouldn’t we utilize a tool that is both affordable and multi-
  • 4. faceted for people of varied exceptionalities and impairments. Can we continue to deny them the right to a tool that gives them a voice and their independence? Do we want to? Is it prudent to the success of our school system to continue to do so? This concludes my presentation on Assistive Technology and the iPad. I hope this innovation gets confirmed for adoption because it is truly needed References Raskind, M., Stanberry, K. (2012).Assistive technology for kids with LD: An overview. Retrieved on March 15, 2013 from, http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/assistive-technology/702- assistive-technology-for-kids-with-learning-disabilities-an-overview.gs Rogers, E. (2003).Diffusion of Innovations. New York, NY: Free Press Stephanie Torreno. (2012, June 6). The Benefits of Assistive Technology in Schools. Retrieved from http://www.brighthubeducation.com/special-ed-law/73643-the-benefits-of- assisstive-technology-in-schools/ Websites http://apple-history.com/ipad http://gizmodo.com/5452501/the-apple-tablet-interface-must-be-like-this http://52tiger.net/brief-history-of-the-ipad-prologue/ http://www.trainsignal.com/blog/ipad-history http://science.opposingviews.com/benefits-ipad-12418.html http://monroe.patch.com/blog_posts/the-use-of-ipads-for-special-education