Technology in the Classroom
Technology can be an incredibly powerful tool in the classroom; however, simply introducing students to technology is not sufficient to improve academic achievement or foster deeper learning. Educators must recognize what technology can and cannot do.
The section below in an excerpt from an LD@school article. Click here to access the original article Assistive Technology for Students with Learning Disabilities: Information, Tools and Resources for Teachers.
Assistive technology can:
- Minimize the extent to which individuals with LDs need to ask for help (enabling them to be more independent learners)
- Improve the speed and accuracy of students’ work
- Reinforce effective classroom instruction and strengthen skill development of students with LDs
- Help students to 'fit in' with classroom learning and routines
- Motivate students with LDs to set high goals for themselves and to persevere
Assistive technology cannot:
- Compensate for ineffective teaching
- Make LDs go away
- Be expected to provide the same benefits to different users
- Automatically promote positive attitudes toward learning
This video was submitted by Stacey Falconer and her class, the Tech Dudes, as part of the LD@school Technology Video Contest.
Click here to access the transcription of this video.
The following three sections of the module offer ways in which educators can integrate technology into their teaching practice, using a universal design for learning framework to support the learning of all students in reading, writing, and mathematics.