I chose to focus on assistive technology for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. It is required that these students receive accommodations and assistive technology to access the educational programming in a classroom setting. Assistive listening devices are usually used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing. An example of such device would be a cochlear implant that helps reduce background noise and transmits the speaker's voice through a microphone to a receiver that is connected to the hearing aid or cochlear implant worn by the student.
Axistive is a great website that lists assistive technology that can be used in a classroom for deaf and hard of hearing students. Some of the technologies listed on this site include closed captioning which is the text that goes on the bottom of the television screen to inform deaf people of what is being said. Cochlear implants, which where mentioned in the paragraph above are also very useful but a family choice on whether or not to use. It is a controversial device, especially when implanted in young children, for those who have a severe to profound hearing loss. Hearing aids are great for students they amplify sounds for the person to hear without the controversy of a cochlear implant because they are less invasive, but they are only effective for students with mild hearing loss.
A hearing loop is a great assistive technology that can be used in a classroom to "amplify sound and reduce background noise." (axistice, 2007) Users of hearing aids can set their aids to a certain setting to receive the transmission. These can be permanently installed or used portablely around a school. Visual alert signalers are another great assistive device for a classroom because they use flashing lights to alert a deaf or hard of hearing person to a ringing phone, fire alarm or class bell.
It is important to know what is available for students of all disabilities to help them succeed in a classroom setting. I think that the best way to stay informed on assistive technology in this quickly developing world is to talk to teachers who regularly deal with students with disabilities and the assistive technology they use. It is important to stay on top of new studies and developments made, browsing blogs, news articles, and magazines can keep one informed on the newest information and technology.
I think as a teacher it is important to observe students on a regular basis to make sure they are learning and developing at the proper speed. As a teacher I will observe and watch my students closely to make sure they are able to pay attention, hear the lesson, and work with others easily. At a young age it is often hard to see a disability because the children are so quickly changing, it is important to be diligent in observations and records of their development.
http://www.axistive.com/assistive-technology-for-hearing-impaired-students.html
http://www.medicinenet.com/learning_disability/glossary.htm
I like to see that there are a lot of technologies for students with hearing loss. I feel that in our ways of teaching, it is one of the most concerning disability, just because teachers use a lot of auditory cues. I think in the long run it would help a lot of teachers to get a student who is deaf because it would challenge them as well.
ReplyDeleteAmanda, I liked your summary of the assistive technology for students who have a hearing impairments. The class that I'll be student teaching in next year has two students with hearing impairments. When these two students first come in the classroom for the day, they head directly to the tub that contains their hearing loop and microphone. The teacher then wears the microphone around her neck so that the students can hear her.
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