Hello All,
Today was an excellent session! I am feeling enthusiastic about how I will feel better equipped to support my students upon completing this course. I have realized that I have lots to learn in regards to Assistive Technology and that there are many options out there for the varying needs of our students. My three main takeaways from today's session are; the number of accessibility settings available through iPads and iPhones, the amazing technology available such as eye gaze technology, and how AT can help a student to show what they know and increase their independence.
1. I was unaware of all the available settings that are easily accessible for us to use for free through Apple products such as our iPhones and iPads. I wrongly assumed the options provided in the accessibility settings would be applications that I would be required to purchase through the App Store. One that really stuck out for me was the hearing devices setting and the ability to pair an iPhone with a hearing aid. I did not realize that these accessibility options are available as Tier 1 options before referring a student to AT. I think this will be great information that I can share with my colleagues. To date, my only experiences with accessibility settings have been guided access, voice to text, and Siri. I look forward to exploring these options further. I would be interested to know if android products have the same amount of options as Apple products.
2. I was blown away by eye gaze technology. Before today's class, I was unaware that this technology was available for non-verbal students and I did not realize that it is a type of AAC device. Eye gaze technology is an amazing tool available for students who are non-verbal and are unable to type. After class, I took a look online and found the website below with many different eye gaze devices for iPads, laptops and PCs.
https://www.tobiidynavox.com/products/devices/
3. I am looking forward to becoming more comfortable with using AT in the Learning Centre and my classroom to help students increase their independence. Currently, I have a student who is going to start using Prolouquo2Go to help increase her communication and independence. I am really excited to become familiar with this technology and other forms of AT to help make curriculum accessible for all of my students.
No comments:
Post a Comment