Technological Tools for LSEN Students (1 - Digitalisation)


 1. (Digitalisation) - Use of Tablets/ Touchscreen Computers

  • Importance of Technology.
Technology use has become as standard in today’s classrooms as it has throughout every other aspect of our lives. Technology has always been designed to make the user’s tasks easier to complete. For students with developmental and learning disabilities, the need for technological assistance in education is even greater. Technology in special education can help these disabled students keep up with their peers to the extent possible and prepare for future success.

  • Tablets/ Touchscreen Computers
As an educator to be, i would implement using tablets in my class as one of the most awesome things about this tech is that i can plan my lesson well to classroom management. I recognize that tablets can be prohibitively expensive for  students. However, new advances in tech are bringing down prices, and the government tried to implement the use of tablet in school. 
  • Tablets are mobile within the classroom. 
Not only are tablets easy to bring to the classroom, they are extremely mobile within it. As a teacher to be i could carry my lesson plan around as I move between discussion groups, lecture from notes anywhere in the room, and refer to online videos, pictures. I have found that this mobility enables me to remove myself from the front of the room and decenter the classroom in physical ways: I can be with the students as they learn, while still keeping my readings and notes at hand.

These devices are useful for visual learning, reading, drawing, and watching videos. They can help students with motor impairments improve their coordination and those with reading disabilities comprehend written information via text-to-speech apps. Further, students with autism respond very well to using these devices to learn. Numerous apps have been created specifically for autistic students. Tablets allow for adjustments like larger fonts, high-contrast themes, catering to various disabilities. The combination of visual, auditory, and tactile input enhances learning for students with sensory impairments.

Tablets can provide drawing apps for creative learners, note-taking apps for organizers, and multimedia tools for experiential learners. Touchscreens make learning more interactive and engaging, especially for students who struggle with traditional methods. Visual learners can benefit from videos, images, and animations that explain complex concepts. Students can learn at their own pace, repeating lessons or moving forward as needed.

  • Challenges and Impact of Tablets/Touchscreen Computers
The use of tablets and touchscreen computers for Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSEN) presents both challenges and impact.
  • Challenges
  1. Learners with fine motor challenges may find it difficult to tap, swipe, or drag on a touchscreen.
  2. Accidental touches can lead to frustration and errors, reducing learning efficiency.
  3. Interactive and colorful interfaces can overstimulate learners with ADHD or autism spectrum disorders, leading to reduced focus.
  4. High costs of devices with advanced accessibility features may make them inaccessible to schools or families.
  5. Limited internet access or lack of technical support can hinder effective use.
  6. Over-reliance on touchscreen technology might delay the development of essential skills like handwriting or social interactions in some learners.
  • Impacts
Positive Impact
  1. Interactive and multimedia-rich apps can make learning more engaging and adaptable to different learning styles.
  2. Visual aids enable learners to access content they might otherwise struggle with.
  3. LSEN students can learn at their own pace without feeling pressured by peers.
  4. Social skills apps and games can improve interactions in structured settings.
  5. Tablets offer alternative methods for learners with disabilities to demonstrate their understanding, such as through visual or oral responses.
Negative Impact
  1. Excessive use of tablets can lead to physical health issues, such as eye strain and poor posture.
  2. Social skills may decline if screen-based interactions replace face-to-face communication.
  3. Unequal access to high-quality devices and apps can widen the gap between learners with and without special needs.

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