Technology helps educate students with special needs

iPads are the newest assistive technology in the world of education. They are gaining pop- ularity among special education teachers across America as research indi- cates positive impact on students with autism.

 Apps tailored especially to the needs of autistic students include speech, gesture, tone and visual elements to help bridge the communication barrier for autistic students.

As part of their Discovery Day project, Lyn Gengler, Emily Thomas, Nicole Stadler, Katie Desmé and Jenna Hoing interviewed special education teachers in Leavenworth, Weston and Atchison about the effectiveness of iPads and associated apps available for autistic students.

Matthew Ramsey, BC director of special education, advised the group. To gain a better understanding of the topic of assistive technology, the researchers read a literature review and a case study. They compared iPads versus computers and iPads versus other technologies. Their research showed iPads are the most assistive.

With the advice of their interviewees, the group picked 18 apps to rate under nine cate- gories, including effectiveness, time efficiency, engagement, sound, value and overall. First Words Delux, a reading game that assists students learning to read – including those with impediments – rated highest.

The average cost for apps ranges from $25 to $50, but some of the more expensive ones cost up to $125.

“From gaining familiarity with the literature to conducting a case study, it was really like three projects in one,” Ramsey said.

“First, they conducted interviews to add practical knowledge to their theoretical understanding of the capabilities of this technology,” Ramsey said.

“Next, they developed a rate guide by which to further explore these apps. Finally, they had to master the technology in terms of using the apps and pushing their limits in the area of presentation devices.”

The presenters shared several apps for the audience to demonstrate how the apps address learning challenges autistic students face.

“I have a deeper understanding of what it takes to be a special education teacher,” Gengler said.

She said three of the five presenters were prospective special-ed teachers, so this project helped prepare them even more for their potential careers.

The presenters hope their research impacts how people view special needs students, and how everyday technology affects students, parents and teachers alike.

“Technology is really beneficial for all students if moderated correctly,” Gengler said.

“I’m really proud of what they developed. [The students] were a great deal of fun to work with,” Ramsey said. “We have hopes of getting their rating guide featured in a Kansas special education publication.

“Their presentation was the tip of the iceberg concerning their work.”

Source : The Circuit , 3rd May 2013