Does anyone have a resource for linear studies showing the effectiveness of assistive technology? I’m talking about moderately/ mild impaired kids - SLD, for example. I’ve got parents insisting on AT and books on tape, when we’re not sure of the need nor effectiveness. Any resources?
Re: Does AT really work?
I agree with the other response. The needs of the individual child must be taken into consideration. In addition we (as educators) must do the most we can to educate the child in the least restrictive setting, that being general education. If you feel like a parents request or inquires about AT are beyond your scope go to Student Study Team and speak with your psychologist about the possibility of consulting with your district “AT specialist” (if you have one). I am currently undergoing an AT certificate program and welcome any and all questions teachers have. If a parent is asking for something (low tech or high tech) than most likely this student is struggling and the school district has certain responsiblities, which include adhering to interventions within the classroom, and later on - IDEA 1997 and the requirements for special education which includes considering assistive technology for all students with an IEP (should this apply). Keep in mind that the earlier on these issues are resolved the better it will be for all parties, as well as creating a collaborative atmosphere.
Re: Does AT really work?
I’m the parent of a gifted LD daughter and from our experience, AT really does work. My daughter met the criteria for gifted and because she could not transfer from the board, write legibly and/or quickly and could not spell anything, they tried to remove her from the gifted classroom.
I contacted the AT specialist, started out with an AlphaSmart. The AT specialist soon donated her own personal computer to the gifted classroom and installed Cowriter. My daughter not only got to stay in this class, she used the computer all year and actually wrote a research paper. The AT specialist in our district called my daughter the “Poster Child for AT”. What a difference. I plan to buy a laptop for her use in middle school.
Visit http://www.ldonline.org/ld_indepth/technology/zabalaSETT1.html for an excellent article on how to figure out what kind of technolgoy will be effective in what kind of situation.
WWW.qiat.org has info and an e-mail list for trading stories on managing the logistics of AT — so you can address some of the management issues you may be worrying about.
For research, check http://ericir.syr.edu — the database has abstracts on articles from all the educational journals.
The question is confounded by several things:
1. Individual needs (and therefore effectiveness) vary.
2. It’s not the technology that is effective. It’s what is done with it. If a kid is given an AlphaSmart but can’t type and isn’t taught to, the problem may not be with the Alphasmart. (Likewise if the school somehow can’t come up with the cable to connect to the printer…)