Here at Spectronics we often get asked, “where can I go to find out more about inclusive learning technologies, particularly addressing the implementation of these technologies in the classroom?”
This blog is the first in a series of postings that will explore a range of resources available to support our understanding of how inclusive technologies can advance independent achievement in the classroom and beyond.
Assistive Technology Books
A number of assistive technology books are available to assist in our understanding and to promote good practice. For a good place to start check out the following books:
Assistive Technology in the Classroom: Enhancing the School Experiences of Students with Disabilities by Dell, Newton and Petroff (2008), published by Pearson Education.
This book provides an overview of how assistive technology can be used in schools and in all kinds of classrooms to teach new skills to students and to provide access to the curriculum. Chapter headings include: Benefits of computer use in special education; Access to computers; Augmentative Communication; and Making it happen.
Available from www.amazon.com, www.booktopia.com.au
Handbook of Special Education Technology Research and Practice by Edyburn, Higgins and Boone (2005), published by Knowledge by Design.
An authoritative single-volume reference documenting the latest research and practice developments in special education technology. Featuring contributions from 100 authors, this handbook is essential reading for special education teachers, administrators, teacher educators, graduate students, technology specialists, researchers, and policy makers.
Available from Spectronics – http://www.spectronics.com.au/product/handbook-of-special-education-technology-research-and-practice
Differentiating Instruction with Technology by Smith and Throne, published by International Society for Technology in Education. There are two editions – in K-5 Classrooms (2007), and in Middle School Classrooms (2009).
While not specifically aimed at supporting students with disabilities and learning difficulties, the authors show educators the benefits of combining Differentiated Instruction with technology, encouraging educators to re-engage students by bringing lessons out of the past and into the student-centered reality of digital-age learning. For all students “educators have a responsibility to treat and teach them as individuals. Differentiated Instruction makes this possible, and technology makes Differentiated Instruction…..effective, and engaging”.
Available from International Society for Technology in Education – www.iste.org
The Illustrated Guide to Assistive Technology and Devices: Tools and Gadgets for Living Independently by Robitaille (2010), published by Demos Health.
This book is an illustrated guide to assistive technologies. The book examines assistive technologies in relation to mobility devices such as walkers and wheelchairs, as well as hardware, software, and peripherals that assist people with disabilities in accessing computers or other information technologies. This book sets out to empower people with disabilities to use assistive technologies to overcome barriers encountered in their daily lives. It includes real-life examples about how people with disabilities are using assistive technologies to assist them in daily tasks, and discusses emotional issues related using assistive technologies.
Available soon from Spectronics.
