Special+Education+Technology

In today's schools, education needs to begin developing a relationship with technology. By helping at-risk students learn through means of technology, this can help children "develop higher order skills and function effectively in the world beyond the classroom." Technology is used for almost everthing, and by helping special education students break into this realm, it can make a world of a difference on their learning experience. Teachers in today's classrooms can use telecommunications, different types and means of software applications, and videos to help at-risk students who are having problems grasping concepts. Also, by having parents and teachers encourage students in higher means of learning, this can help many children learn more about the outside world and not ust a classroom setting. Learning Point Associates at the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory believe in setting many goals and ways to take action concerning technology in the classroom ofr at-risk students. To learn more about how technology can be used for special education, please visit [|Critical Issue: Using Technology to Enhance Engaged Learning for At-Risk Students]
 * Technology Can Enhance At-Risk Student Learning**

Technology can be used for a variety of areas in a Special Education classroom, but PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) can help students with autism communicate and learn in an extrordinary way. Created by Andy Bondy, Ph.D. and Lori Frost, MS, CCC/SLP, PECS is a communication system that originally began with picture cards that the students would use by using a communication book to communicate. This system works as the student, seeing or wanting a particular item or service, will give the particular picture to their teacher, showing them exactly what they desire. The [|Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc] has helped millions of students with autism recieve an edcuation by promoting education. Now, through technology, PECS is able to enhance their means of communication by using electronic books. Instead of using multiple pictures, the student is able to use an electronic device, similar to a larger PDA, and communicate to their instructor. The [|electronic version of PECS] is a helpful way to help Special Education students communicate and learn in the classroom. PECS contain six phases, so people can map out their progress. Each phase helps them communicate in faster, more efficient ways. This link is a good one explaining PECS. http://www.researchautism.net/interventionitem.ikml?print&ra=36&infolevel=3
 * PECS in the Special Education Classroom**

The following URL is a helpful article in technological resources that help children with special needs in the classroom. It suggests that Word Processing, Smartboards, Tape Recorders, and other software should be used along with teaching instruction to help those children who lag behind in keeping up with the curriculum. This website also contains information on what types of technology address different needs.It gives specific examples of what could be done for students with ADHD, Behavioral Disorders, Autism, hearing, visual impairments etc. It provides short descriptions on how the educational technology can promote the learning of students with these various needs. This website also points out how the technology not only benefits the students with special needs, but also those who are able to complete the classwork without adaptations. http://www.techlearning.com/db_area/archives/WCE/archives/dianesn1.php

One of the resources that was suggested was the Smartboard. The smartboard is an interactive white board that allows students to save and print notes, work together on different problems, and provides additional resources including multimedia resources. It provides a valuable source of assistance to those children who struggle in the classroom. These Smartboards are the best selling interactive whiteboards in schools in the UK, as they tremendously help train a teacher and give them pointers for how to improve the students' use of technology. The Smartboards are a positive feature for the classrooms as teachers are given advice on how to present the software to benefit the students. For more information on smartboards, visit the following URL. http://www.ambra-solutions.co.uk/smartboards.htm

Communicating with children and/or adults who have special needs is a vital part in their educational development. Everyday, the technological world around us becomes more and more sophisticated. These advances help us communicate with those who may not be able to with new ideas, such as digital learning. This website provides many sources and ideas to help integrate technology into the special education classrom, provides workshop information, and many forums. For additional information, visit [|http://www.closingthegap.com]

http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Learning Helping students of various abilites needs can be very difficult when you are one teacher in a classroom with all levels of abilities in front of you. This website offers different tools to help students of various abilities. There was one reading program for struggling readers. A teacher can use that program for students who need the extra help while doing group work with other teachers. There are programs for all the subjects as well as different tools to help the severely disabled. There are hearing devices, communication software, picture communicators, etc.

This useful website offers multiple suggestions on special education tools in the classroom, products, demos, information about careers, how to get involved in special education, product descriptions, and countless other items of importance. One may also search in particular areas for a product; for example: communication, access, recreation & leisure, curriculum and software, autism, functional academics, skills based learning packages, and much more. In depth product information is also offered when researching and purchasing a product. In addition, video demos are offered to show how the product is successfully used in the classroom. This link is an example of a demo one would view when researching and purchasing one of the many products offered on www.ablenetinc.comm. http://www.ablenetinc.com/flash/fl4sh/FL4SH_Movies/Frame_Lighting.mov This website also offers tips and information for parents, health care professionals, educators, administrators, and buyers of products. One of the goals of this website is to incorporate innovative and easy to use technology for those of special needs. It also offers ideas and information on how to use this technology as a positive and fun classroom learning tool. http://www.ablenetinc.com/home.aspx
 * Useful Products and Information about Special Education Technology**

This website offers many products for special needs children. There are over 175 products one can research and purchase on the website. These products range but are not limited to computer software and programs, music and learning Cd's, Go-Talks, "IntelliKeys" keyboard, learning and activity books, interactive reading books, Jelly Beamer Wireless switch, Little Step-by-step Communicator, Switch Interface, Print-play and learn subscriptions and programs, Running Start Books, and countless more. These products are designed for children with special needs to help with social skills, basic day to day activities, money counting, math, history, science, speech, communication, listening skills, sign language, etc. The products offered are targeted to help children and teens of all ages. [|http://www.softtouch.com/productslist.aspx]
 * Software and Products for Special Needs Children**

http://www.time4learning.com/special-education.shtml Time for learning is a great resource to use with children that range between the ages of preschool through elementary and middle school. This is a program that can be used a long with special education. It uses technology as an approach to motivate students as well as teach them many differnt kinds of learning methods. Time for learning feels that since students love to use computers, why not link that to their education. Therefore, learning will be fun! In addition, it involves the parents, which is very important for the student. They can track their son/daughters' performance. It is a great software that can give students a chance to have fun while learning.

Special Education Technology is an extremely important aspect to education today. This website is basically one that helps train teachers how to help their special education students. It teaches them what activities and lesson plans to put together. The program is called ATSTAR, standing for Assistive Technology: Strategies, Tools, Accomodations and Resources; and that is exactly what the program does. For more information on it go to: http://aimstar.knowbility.org/

There are many different softwares to help assist children but a specific program targeting assistive technolgies for exceptional children stands out. This program created by University of Buffalo gives information and resources about assitive technologies that help children learn better in regular or special elementary ed classrooms. A feature to the website that is really helpful is the foundations module that lists introductory information, as well as federal laws and school policies involving AT. It also gives examples of specific softwares that can be used for specific needs as well as computer modifcations that can be made to help students with special needs use technology easier. I think this website will be really helpful for parents, teachers, and students to learn what is available and possible for students with specific disabilties. This program can be found at: http://atto.buffalo.edu/

Communicator 3 Pro created by Viking software is a great tool for people with disabilities communicating. This software is very versatile and offers many features that lend it to helping various cases of disabled communicators. The individuals using this will be able to use a touch screen, keyboard and many other means; even custom made options are available. With this resource you are able to communicate through writing, speaking or symbols. It also has the ability to process emails, text messages and phone calls. It is a great device which helps tighten the communication gap between the disabled and able people. Here is a website where you can learn about other communication devices: http://www.assistivetech.com/p-com-access.htm
 * Communication Software**

Technology in classrooms is easy to teach and easy for students to learn. However, teaching students technology skills is very hard in special education classrooms. Thankfully, there are many new tools and applications that help students who may be physically or mentally challenged to still have the full and complete benefits of using technology. This wesite features products such as reading aids, specialized keyboards, etc. For more information, visit the following URL; http://www.sspdirect.com/Assistive-Technology-Students.html