| What current
factors and activities can help teachers develop an open attitude about
using assistive technology in the general classroom? |
| Teachers bring different
perspectives to the classroom with respect to the integration of
technology. Their perspectives are shaped by the comparisons they make and
the expectations they create. Ongoing and just in time professional
development opportunities can train educators (and families) to recognize
the value of active participation as well as the applications of
technology in the classroom. |
| What factors
make it difficult for them to acquire it? |
| Making the conscious effort to
integrate technology into classroom practice can require significant
change in teaching style. Creating a "new self" is
difficult for some. A teacher may want to consider all of the
aspects of her teaching that she likes, identify the things that she most
wants to do; then step by step, find ways to achieve as many of the
necessary skills as possible. At the same time, the teacher can
recognize that expectations may shift so the instructional goals can be
met. |
| What happens
when knowledge related to assistive technology applications and
modifications are added to the list? |
|
Assistive
technology applications and devices are another set of tools in the
instructional technology toolbox. If a particular student is in need of
adaptations to the existing classroom structure, the teacher can work
closely with the family, special educator, and technology mentor to ensure
the student is receiving the best possible education using the most
appropriate technologies. |
| Submitted by
Tricia Ryan on Friday, September 5, 2003. |
