Digital Access
Digital Access refers to technology access for everyone. This issue has many areas in which it applies including geographic, ethnicity, special needs and disabilities. For the purpose of this page, we will focus on the access for individuals with special needs and disabilities. This page contains a survey and review of the survey that was administered to discover needs and feelings of effectiveness of digital access at a school. Below the survey you will find helpful links to videos explaining ways to implement some assistive technologies that are already enabled on most computers. Hopefully you will find these links helpful and can apply them in your use of technology personally, or in your classroom.
The following survey was disseminated to Regular and Special Education teachers in various fields at Caesar Rodney High School between April 11- April 22 2016. The results will be reviewed following the survey.
Current Technology Trends at CRHSAt this point in time, teachers at Caesar Rodney High School have at minimum a teacher laptop and two student desktop computers in their classroom. There are multiple Chromebook carts available for each department allowing teachers to sign them out to have access to word processing, internet, and presentation software. The abundance of technology is great for preparing students for being successful in the future.
Survey Results The results from the survey above were very interesting. I found that many, 8 out of 9 teachers, have used Assistive Technology, but none of the teachers felt very prepared to use assistive technologies to help a student who needed assistive technologies in their classroom. To me, this is somewhat troubling as 6 of the 9 teachers have students currently with an IEP that they feel could use some form of assistive technology. When asked what devices or programs would be beneficial in their classrooms, 8 out of 9 said tablet computers and 7 out of 9 said headphones. Teachers also said that Chromebooks, amplification systems, microphones and drawing tablets would be beneficial. While these things are physical devices that can assist students, the computers and Chromebook we already have access to have great assistive technology programs that they may not be aware of, or be comfortable using. That is OK! As long as teachers are willing to spend a few minutes to learn about programs already on most computers that can really help a child lean better. I have used computers for most of my life and was unaware of some of these great tools! It is important for schools to make sure all teachers are aware of these great tools that can help all students, but could really benefit those with special needs. Below I have gathered some video demonstrations from YouTube to help teachers be aware of the programs and how to turn them on. Hopefully confidence in the ability to use the programs will allow teachers to use programs that can help their students achieve their goals. |
Assistive Technologies- Windows and Chromebooks
Click on the circles for YouTube video directions!
More Resources
There are many assistive technologies available and this page only highlights a few. I encourage you to explore the Google Play Store and/or iTunes App Store to find Applications that can help your students reach their full potential. One of the most promising pre-loaded programs for my classroom is described in detail below. Scroll down or click here to view information about Windows Magnifier on a own page! |
A Few Options for Technology Outside of School
While schools are great places to explore technology and learn about Assistive Technologies, sometimes students need to be able to access materials outside of school. In cases like this Public Libraries are great places to access technologies.In the Dover Area there are two libraries that can help, the Dover Public Library and the Kent County Public Library. The Libraries both have Wireless Internet and computers available for use.
Using your own device is also an option outside of school, even if you do not have wireless internet at home. While "Free Wifi" is available at many local businesses and establishments, be sure to take note of any rules or limitations and always practice safe practices when using a open network. Remember that it is "Free" and open to anyone.
Using your own device is also an option outside of school, even if you do not have wireless internet at home. While "Free Wifi" is available at many local businesses and establishments, be sure to take note of any rules or limitations and always practice safe practices when using a open network. Remember that it is "Free" and open to anyone.
Digital Citizenship: EDT 3065 by Chris Harris is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.