Assistive Technology

When I observed in a middle school classroom with students that have profound learning disabilities, I noticed that the students used iPads to assist in their learning for the day. Specifically, students were able to further their learning by logging onto the iPads to utilize academic software that helped them to learn about the seasons changing. Through the iPad students were able to use the software to share their understanding of the lesson through different formats, or representations. To answer the questions that were presented in the lesson: students could construct short answer responses to the questions or students could draw pictures. The students began their lessons with their story books but were able to break off into groups by using the iPads as assistive technology.

I found an interactive quiz-gaming website, Kahoot that can definitely be used as an assistive technology resource. Instead of students writing down their short essay answers or circling multiple choice answers on a piece of paper, students can enter Kahoot through their iPads to engage in a fast pace, classroom community building quiz. The site can be used to complete formative assessments. Using this site provides an inclusive materials and methods to the students' learning.