I find the range and new abilities of technology assisted learning to be incredibly heartening. Not only does the technology allow students to communicate and facilitate learning, which I knew, but also is allowing students to fully participate in extracurricular activities like playing an instrument in the school band. It is unlocking new avenues for disabled students that not only allow them to be at school, but fully experience school, that signals that assistive technology is finally maturing into something truly amazing.
Diane Curtis, the author, says that the high costs of assistive technology for students should be considered irrelevant compared to the huge benefits they provide disabled students, and I would agree with her opinion. The students they are referring to possess minds which are just as capable as physically normal students, and to deny them an equitable education goes against the principles of public schooling. I found the article to be very enlightening!
Here is the Original Article, by Diane Curtis
I agree 100%! Students who have disabilities should be given every opportunity to succeed. They are such intelligent people and they should be given all of the tools they need to thrive. I do agree that technology is expensive, but the benefits are unbelievable. Students with disabilities are already at a disadvantage in school and being able to provide them with anything that would allow them to be the best they can be would be a great investment. The technology would not only benefit disabled students, but also help every student in school. I cannot wait to see the potential that this technology can fulfill if it were implemented in every school in the country or even the world.
ReplyDeleteLike Katie, I agree 100%. Equality in education does not mean that each student is treated the same, it means that all students should have the same opportunities to have the optimum education possible. To hinder a child's experience in school because of their disability is not what public schooling, just as Nate said.
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