We also discussed assistive technologies – technologies designed to help students with learning difficulties and other disabilities understand and retain knowledge to improve their learning outcomes. The two can go hand in hand, as assistive technology can help all students have a more personalized learning experience.
Let’s take a look at some of the ways AT is used in the classroom and its personalized learning.
Electronic Worksheets
For students with learning disabilities like dyslexia, electronic worksheets can help them complete assignments efficiently. These worksheets can help them line up equations, words, and numbers on their homework, making it easier to read and interpret information.
There are even text-to-speech and text-to-speech features available on these worksheets, helping students with reading and writing difficulties. Additionally, many spreadsheet programs provide real-time feedback on which questions students answered correctly and which they didn’t, allowing them to see exactly which areas of study require attention. particular attention.
Talking calculators
Dyscalculia is a math-related learning difficulty, where an individual has an impairment in learning number-related concepts, performing precise calculations, reasoning, problem solving and execution. other basic math skills. For these students, talking calculators can be a saving grace – the tool makes it easy to read numbers, check homework, and perform calculations.
Although the talking calculator is a relatively simple tool, it is incredibly beneficial for students who are struggling in math class. Text-to-speech devices work in much the same way and can provide similar benefits, but for reading comprehension and spelling skills.
Video demonstrations of social skills
For children with autism, “normal” social behaviors and interactions do not come naturally and must instead be learned. The most common way to teach social skills was to have the child practice them in the past. Yet the children inadvertently misbehaved as they tried to learn “normal” social interactions.
Using pre-recorded social interactions, students can learn essential social interactions and life skills without accidentally misbehaving. Besides interpersonal skills, these videos can teach language, self-help, emotional, and academic skills.
Phonetic spelling apps and software
Many learners with learning disabilities struggle to master reading and writing. Phonetic spelling software converts a student’s typed input into the word they were trying to spell, helping them learn the correct spelling of the word.
For learners who have difficulty reading, audio books are available. They can be listened to in conjunction with the physical copy of the book to overcome their reading challenge.
Final Thoughts
While there are already many other ways to personalize the learning environment and experience for students, assistive technology is perhaps one of the most effective. This is especially true for students who struggle with learning disabilities and difficulties.
