Exploring AT Devices!

How can I implement assistive technology devices into my classroom?

Up to this point I have discussed the importance and benefits of incorporating AT into the classroom. In this post, I will discuss examples of various types of AT devices that I look forward to incorporating into my future classroom.

Word Prediction Software

Word prediction software can help students during word processing by "predicting" a word that the student intends to write based upon spelling, syntax, and frequent/recent use. This AT tool can benefit students who struggle with writing, especially word recognition, word retrieval, and spelling. Common brands of this product include: Aurora Suite and Co:Writer Solo. 

The above tutorial demonstrates how to use ClaroWord for Mac word predicting software. The tutorial is extremely user-friendly and straight forward, which makes me believe that the software is also easy to use. I have personally seen this type of software used in the classroom and it was extremely beneficial to the student that was using it. 

Talking Word Processing Software

This type of AT tool can benefit students with communicative disorders, or students who struggle with reading and writing. A popular brand of this product is ReadingMadeEasy.

The above video provides a tutorial of how to use the Premier Talking Word Processor software. I have also seen students benefit greatly from this type of technology and I am very excited to use it in my future classroom! 

Naturally Speaking Word Recognition Software

With this type of software, the student talks and the software types. Therefore, it would be beneficial for students who have difficulty typing due to physical disabilities or fine motor deficits. A commonly used form of this tool is Dragon NaturallySpeaking. 

The above video shows the Dragon NaturallySpeaking software in action. After watching this video, I think that the tool would be very beneficial to many students. However, I do think that it would take a lot of training and trial and error to get students used to using the product. 

Scan and Read Software

This type of tool begins with using a scanner to scan paper documents into a computer. Then, the software translates it into a digital format so it can be read and edited. This technology can benefit students who have print disabilities or students who have trouble reading paper based information due to visual impairment, dyslexia, learning disabilities, or physical disabilities. A popular brand of this product is OpenBook.

To be honest, I had never heard of this software before. Therefore, this tutorial helped me tremendously because I was having difficulty visualizing how exactly it would work when I was reading about it. 

Books on CD

Being able to listen to books on CD can benefit students with visual impairments or students who have difficulty reading due to dyslexia or learning disabilities. Amazon offers many popular books in audio format.

Multisensory Educational Software

This type of technology incorporates a variety of senses into learning, which benefits all students! Earobotics is a research driven multisensory software program targeted towards reading. This tool can benefit students with a variety of disabilities, including Autism, attentional problems, etc. 

The above tutorial demonstrates how to use the Earobotics program. I really like this program because it looks really fun for students, which will engage them and hopefully increase their attention and focus! 

Adapted Keyboards

Adapted keyboards have been redesigned in order to suit the needs of a particular student. There are a variety of adapted keyboards available. There are "small form factor" or one handed keyboards to benefit students with physical disabilities. There are large key or "tactile feedback" keyboards to benefit students with visual impairments. Also, there are keyboards that feature an alphabetical layout instead of the standard "QWERT.." to benefit students who may have difficulty using the typical layout. EnableMart offers a wide variety of adapted keyboards. 

The above video demonstrates how to use IntelliKeys software, which features a variety of overlays which I think is fantastic because one keyboard can target the needs of a variety of students. 

Portable Word Processors

Portable word processors are lightweight devices that are easy to transport and can benefit students who have difficulty writing by hand and prefer writing using a keyboard. Popular brands include Neo and Quickpad. 

The above video demonstrates how to use the Quickpad. I have not seen this type of technology used in the classroom, but I can see how it can benefit students who struggle with writing by hand by making them feel more successful. 

Assisted Literacy Software

Assisted literacy software helps students develop their literacy skills and can benefit students with reading disabilities such as dyslexia. CALS (Computer Assisted Literacy Solution) is an excellent example of this form of technology. 

After watching the above video, I am very impressed with this type of software. I think it is a great way to get students excited about literacy while building confidence. 

Voice Output Communication Devices

Voice output communication devices are augmentative and alternative communication systems used to supplement or replace speech or writing for students with severe speech and language impairments. These type of devices can benefit students with severe Autism or other communicative disorders. An example of this type of technology is Dynavox. 

The above video shows how a little boy uses his Dynavox to express what he would like to eat for lunch. As someone who works with students with severe Autism, I have seen these devices used several times and I think that they are amazing! 

Type to Learn Software

Type to Learn is a research based method of sequential touch typing instruction. This program can benefit students with a variety of disabilities that have difficulty learning how to type. The software provides multiple means of instruction including videos, games, and multisensory approaches that benefit a variety of students. 

The above video demonstrates how to use the Type to Learn 4 software. I have personally never seen this program used, but from what I have seen it looks like a great way to provide keyboarding instruction! 

Electronic Touch Tablet

These devices can be used in a variety of ways in the classroom and can benefit students with a wide variety of disabilities. An example of this technology is the Arnova ChildPad. 

The above video demonstrates the features of the Arnova ChildPad. This product can be used to show videos, play games, and provide supplemental instruction.