Assistive Technology

   Hello fellow library enthusiasts!  Welcome back to the most up-to-the-minute, exciting library news!!  Or, at least my views on Assistive Technology...

     I found doing research for this subject just fascinating.  I had already taken the Sheltered English Instruction course for ELL students last year and this assistive technology assignment is another step in diversified learning.  Inclusivity is an important part of fostering a love of learning and enhancing each student’s well-being.  Teaching UDL benefits every child in the classroom, whether that student has physical special needs, an IEP, is an ELL student or has a learning disability. 

     After talking with the technology supervisors and computer lab teachers, I learned that we have several examples of assistive technologies in our school district.  There are large screen monitors for the students’ computers with magnifying capabilities for better visuals.  In addition, they are larger keyboards for easier key recognition.  Some of these monitors are touch screen for easier manipulation compared to the mouse, for students who are lacking in fine motor skills.

     Another great addition to our assistive technologies toolbox is the adaptive plug-in for the transmitters used by our hearing impaired students.  These plug-ins allowed our students to hear clearly directly into the earpiece of their transmitters.  A wire runs from the output speaker jack into their transmitter box, eliminating the need for headphones.  The computer lab also added the app Speak It from the Apple Store.  This text to speech app reads books, articles, documents, etc.  This app is perfect for students who are hearing impaired or who are below level readers.

     In the library, we have audio books with corresponding text, giving every child an opportunity to read different/harder levels of books.  I have recently put color coded stickers on easy reader books for ease of identification for non-readers, ELL students or any other child.  Although stickers are not technology, it still assists the learning process.  We use TumbleBooks in the library, which animates a book and highlights the text as the story is being read.  Every student cheers when we put TumbleBooks up on the projector.  We are also incredibly fortunate to have 30 iPads to use just in the library.  There are almost 50 apps for students to choose from, including author websites, Destiny catalog, math games, weather, drawing, American states and many others.  Students can pick the apps that most appeal to them and their abilities.  Students perform at their own pace, giving them confidence and motivation to master basic levels and move on to more complex levels of learning.  These iPads create a level playing field for all students, as they are using them independently and/or quietly at their table.  Students at this age are incredibly fast learners and master these apps quickly. 

     Making sure that our libraries are updated with the best assistive technologies will continue to expand the learning possibilities of every student.  Librarians should be aware of the technologies that are available and where to get those materials.  We should continue to advocate for our libraries and our students by communicating what is available to use in the library; if no one knows what is there, it won’t be used.  Lastly, librarians should be in good communication with the special education teachers to keep informed of what the students are already using and try to supplement their libraries accordingly.