“What did I learn and how can I use it in the future?”
I am so happy that this course included a full segment on adaptive technology. Ironically, I was just having a conversation with a colleague or mine about special education and disabled students in school. I sadly believe that these students are still overlooked and not fulled immersed into the classroom environment today. There is still a strong line of separation amongst both the students and the teachers. For example, if a student with special needs is constantly being pulled out of my classroom for extra help, how do I create the same trust and relationship with him that I establish with my consistent students? I understand that it is important for these students to be pulled out and to get help, but I think in today's world of advanced science, technology, and plain old intelligence, we can approach these situations in a better way.
This conversation sparked after the debate on Wednesday evening between Mr. Obama and Mr. Romney. Special education, special needs, and disabilities are all essential topics that I want to research further before I decide where my vote is going. In order for any student or human being with a disability to keep up with our ever-changing world, this topic needs to be a priority in terms of both funding and planning in the federal sector.
I feel ignorant and embarrassed to say that I was completely unaware of how many different tools there are under the adaptive technology umbrella. I was familiar with the laws and legislation in our U.S. history, but I am thrilled to see how many tools we can use to make education as easy and normal as possible for any student. Of course, I understand that these tools are expensive but I can not help to wonder why I have not seen, tampered with, or heard of more of these products until now? As a third year teacher I am skeptical that these tools and resources are being used the way that they should, at least in my own district.
What does that conclusion mean? Is there not enough funding to access these great tools? Is the administration not putting enough time and effort into obtaining them? Regardless, adaptive technology has the potential to drastically enhance a student's entire education process. It is our responsibility to take advantage of these resources. We need to get more adaptive technology into the classroom and put it to use!
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