Breakthrough in technology for autistic students

Technology in the classroom: good or bad? The reading material from this week highlighted many benefits and uses for technology in the classroom - specifically special education. In the video "Apps for Autism" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_8b7PgnNQ, many benefits of technology in the special education classroom are detailed. First, it is clear that iPad apps can allow students with autism to communicate effectively. Not only can these students communicate words, but they are able to communicate feelings. Communicating feelings was previously more difficult for these students. Some kids with autism don't have the ability to express what they are feeling. After testing the devices and technology, researchers found that autistic children became more willing to socialize. This may have been due to the fact that the device acts as a constant, and human interaction is often less constant and more unpredictable. It is also important to note that these devices are not for all students. Where technology helps one student, it may be a distraction for another. Finally, parents and teachers expressed excitement in discovering that autistic students are thinking about much more than previously observed.

Next, it was interesting to see how iPads are used in the special education classroom. Teachers using the devices saw an increase in motivation. Unfortunately there are very few studies on the technology's effectiveness. Shockingly, 13% of students have a learning disability. Though the results of effectiveness are mixed, if the technology provides a communication breakthrough for some students, it should be implemented wherever appropriate.
http://news.wabe.org/post/ipads-special-ed-what-does-research-say


I found the video of the Kurzweil 3000 technology to be particularly interesting. This is a technology where teachers can lead note taking through a visual projection of the material. It was originally developed for disabled students, but is also now used for traditional students. A teacher using the technology is able to highlight notes on a projector screen, and then extract and send the notes to a student. This technology is particularly helpful in a classroom of mixed learning abilities. It also incorporates visual and auditory learning styles, ensuring that all students learn to the best of their abilities. Teachers also found that the technology improved student organization.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TfiMxPVop4

The final three videos highlighted a technology that assists students with cerebral palsy. This technology is what theoretical physicist Steven Hawking uses to communicate. If there ever was a person who shows that people with extreme disability shouldn't be discounted, it is him. His contributions to theoretical physics and astronomy are paramount. From a musical perspective, it was great to see someone with this horrible condition be able to sing the national anthem. This technology will continue to provide opportunities for students with disabilities in the future.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlC8G5nNE7k&feature=related
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAvcquMd0vY&feature=related
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLm6_48-25o

In conclusion, it is clear that technology provides many positives in the classroom. For traditional students, it can supplement traditional learning methods and styles. I now see that the true recipients of the benefits from technology in the classroom are students with disabilities. As the push to incorporate students with great disabilities into the traditional classroom grows, technology, such as the examples provided above, will give them a path to success.