2009年8月6日 星期四

Assistive Technology


Assignment from Stacey~~~

We have talked about how you can use some of the software tools (like WP, SS, etc) for your students with special needs. This chapter discusses some of the classroom tools. Now, please find one piece of Assistive Technology(AT), give the web address, and explain how it can be used in the classroom - This can apply to something you already use or something you would like to use or get more info about. This AT can be applied in the classroom for special needs students or for regular ed.
Give the web address of one piece of support software you currently use or would like to use.

The web address: http://www.freedomsci.com/products/lv/magic-bl-product-page.asp

The name of the Assistive Technology software is MAGic (11)

MAGic screen magnification software not only increases the size of what you see on a monitor, but MAGic with Speech also speaks aloud screen contents.

MAGic lets you magnify your computer screen from 1 to 36 times its usualsize.

MAGic can read text that you type or point at with the mouse. MAGic moves the magnified area of the screen so you always see the text beingread and highlights words as they are spoken.

This software is really helpful for those who are vision barriers, or those who have low hearing.

There is a student who has low vision in my 2nd grade class. He can't see very well even with his glasses on, and he can't write very well, either. He always needs big textbooks , enlarged worksheets and test sheets.

With this software, I woud have him read the documents(worksheets and tests) with magnificated texts on a screen individually, and use the mouse to have the texts read out loud to him by the computer at the same time. He might see the text much more clearly, and hear the words and sentences repeated for as many times as he wants. This software will definitely make him read and learn much easier, and will stimulate his reading interests and motivitation as well.

Moreover, since he might read the texts a lot more clearly, he might be able to learn to type the answers of the tests, or finish the worksheets by keying in the answers. Because typing won't need too many complicated movements with his hands and fingers, this software will be a great one for him.
To tell the truth, I would really give him a try if my school can afford to buy this kind of software . Those students who have special needs truly need more concerns and consideration.

3 則留言:

  1. You are a kind and thoughtful teacher always keep your students on your mind. :) I believe, by using "MAGic", your students can learn well and effectively from computer. It may encourage him to "open" his eyes to see what the world is.

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  2. Birdie,
    Remind me to show you some of the things Windows can do with Magnification (Look under Start --> All Programs --> Accessories --> Accessibility)

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  3. First,thank you for your helping us understand what the homework is. And I think this software is helpful to those who are weak-sight students.I will tell my colleagues to help their students who has trouble learning because they can't see well.

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