Introduction
Using assistive technology is very useful when dealing with exceptional or disabled students. Assistive Technology ( AT ) is any equipment, item, system or technology that is beneficial for a person who have a disability. There are three types of AT. Low technology, mid technology and high technology.
- Low technology: pencil grips, graphic organizers and highlighters.
- Mid technology: audio book, wheelchairs and voice recorders .
- High technology: text to speech, electric wheelchairs and speech to text.
Throughout this WebQuest, there will be six stations where students will work in a group of four to test different AT based on the disability that is also assigned at that specific station. Students will learn, use and collaborate the importance of four AT based on the disability.
Task
Each group will be assigned at one of the six stations that are listed around the classroom for ten minutes. At each station, students will have a visual, a definition, a real life scenario experience as well as instructions on how to use the AT for that specific disability. When the timer goes off, each group will go to the next station. While at each station, students will be asked to write down a paragraph in their notes about this station and silently (so other groups will not hear them) brainstorm on what technology is their AT for their quiz the next day. Is it low, mid or high? (Answers will be given at the end of the session)
Process
- Students will be divided up into groups of four and assigned to one of the six stations.
- Students will read definitions, and experiences of AT and disabilities.
- Students will use the certain AT correctly.
- Brainstorm and collaborate on what level of technology in notes.
- Switch station.
Resources:
1. Given definition and knowledge of AT and disability.
2. A printed out article from internet ( A persons personal experience that has a disability that use the specific certain AT)
3. Teammates knowledge
Evaluation
At the end of the session, students will be graded on:
- teamwork
- Answers on what type of AT
- Paragraph on station
- knowledge from session.
Conclusion
This WebQuest will be a useful hands on activity that students get to learn from their experiences. Students will learn how different AT is used for a disability, categorize the level of AT, define six disabilities and work together to be successful!