Assistive Technology

Using assistive technology is a new concept to me especially with Pre-K children.  I have actually only taught Pre-K for the past 2 years, and all of the students that I have worked with who have had IEPs have been deaf so recording a story for them on the computer does not useful.  However, for students with speech delays or other disorders, it would be very helpful.  Even though my deaf students cannot hear it, they will still enjoy using the mouse to turn the pages and look at the pictures.  Their interpreter would have to be present in order for them understand the words in the story.

In the past, I have taught older grades where we have used PowerPoint presentations to share research on animals that we have studied.  The students really enjoyed adding animation to their slides to make their presentations more interesting for their audience.  This was very effective for the students who struggled presenting in front of their classmates.  They were proud of their work and much more at ease presenting.

In the future, I hope to stay in Pre-K for a long time.  I would like to use this type of assistive technology with all of my students.  My students are constantly asking me to read a book to them in the reading center, but I am busy doing other things most of the time.  However, with this type of technology, they would be able to read the book by themselves on the computer.  This would also be great for those students who have speech problems.  They would be able to hear words pronounced correctly.  This is also a fantastic way to encourage reading skills in all students, but especially in those who don't visit the reading center often.  Using the computer to read the books may be a more appealing way for those children to take an interest in books and reading.

Cook, Ruth E., Klein M. Diane, & Tessier, Annette. (2008). Adapting Early Childhood Curriculum for Children with Special Needs (7th Edition). Columbus, OH: Pearson Prentice Hall.