Video Discussion Thread: Assistive Technology

Equitable access to websites for all students is crucial as it provides opportunities for students of all abilities to have access to digital content. “Educators and researchers have established a number of ways that integrating technology into teaching can support learning. When these contributions are combined to tackle learning needs and interests for individual students and to create more equitable and just technology-supported learning opportunities, technology seems to make the greatest difference” (Hughes & Roblyer, 2023). The use of technology and assistive devices in my classroom is especially important because I am a virtual special education teacher. Many of my students have a reading impairment and require text-to-speech. Text-to-speech converts written text to spoken language, making it easier for reading impaired students to complete work that requires reading. Another assistive device that is used in my classroom is speech-to-text. This converts spoken language to written text, making it easier for students with speech or motor impairments to participate in classroom discussions and activities. Technology is now just as much as a necessity as a textbook in a classroom. Therefore, we need to work to bridge the digital divide. “Initiatives such as improving internet connectivity in underserved areas, providing affordable devices to students from low-income households, and offering digital literacy training can play a crucial role in bridging the gap” (Afzal et al., 2023). References: Afzal, A., Khan, S., Daud, S., Ahmad, Z., & Butt, A. (2023). Addressing the Digital Divide: Access and Use of Technology in Education. Journal of Social Sciences Review, 3(2), 883–895. https://doi.org/10.54183/jssr.v3i2.326 Hughes, J. E., & Roblyer, M. D. (2023). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching (9th ed.). Pearson Education (US). https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9780137544622