Role of Technology, Dissertation – Discussion Example

Exceptional Needs Children – Question One

After placing the shampoo on glasses it became clear that reading or even maneuvering the computer was a chore. While I could see, it was quite muddled and I found myself straining to even see the keyboard. The only reason that I was able to enter “assistive technology” on the keyboard was because I am familiar enough with the keys on the keyboard. I was unable to read without greatly straining and found myself becoming more frustrated as I went. After spending several minutes trying to research and find information on the website, I decided that I wasn’t able to read or find information as normal and became increasingly frustrated. I have to admit that I did stop well before my ten minutes was up. After changing the settings on the computer, it did help, however it was still incredibly difficult for me to read. I am not sure that I would be able to be very productive on the computer under these conditions, must less complete a paper or finish an assignment.

Assistive devices should be readily available for children and adults that have a vision disability. This allows them to be able to engage in the learning process or even enjoy the computer like others can. Children should be evaluated based on their sight and other disabilities that might hinder their ability to learn or use technology as needed (Goddard, 2004). Children enrolled in school should have their vision checked on a mandatory basis. This would allow educators and parents to work together for the sake of the child and their education. Children that have difficulty with their vision should be afforded the right to have assistive technology.

Exceptional Needs Children – Question Two

Assistive technology is a gateway to education, learning and even fun for children with exceptional needs. There have been incredible advances that now allow children to hear, speak and see items that were never thought possible in previous years. While the benefits are too numerous to name, there are some learning difficulties that sometimes present as well. Many of these pieces of equipment can be quite advanced, which can present difficulties. Sometimes they are just difficult and confusing to operate in the beginning. In many cases parents and even educators may not be familiar with the equipment, which leads to delays as well as frustration (Waldron & Layton, 2008).

Attempting to teach the child to operate or learn on a new piece of equipment that the parent does not fully understand can be a difficult task. In some cases parents of exceptional needs children have even been skeptical about allowing their child to use different types of technology out of misunderstanding and fear (Waldon & Layton, 2008). In order to assist the child with the learning curve of assistive technology, the social network allowed by the technology can be accessed. The ability to have various social networks with additional educators and support can assist the child, parents and educators with building trust as well as understanding. New technology also allows parents and children access to additional tools for learning and assistance. These tools and social supports can not only help in the learning process, but also improve the child and parents ability to use the equipment. Help such as step by step instructions and visual aids assist parents, educators and children allowing them to use the equipment to its fullest extent and get the most from their experience.

References

Goddard, M. (2004). Access Through Technology. Library Journal, 1292-6.

Waldron, D., & Layton, N. (2008). Hard and soft assistive technologies: Defining roles for clinicians. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 55(1), 61-64.