The Tech Edvocate

Top Menu

  • Advertisement
  • Apps
  • Home Page
  • Home Page Five (No Sidebar)
  • Home Page Four
  • Home Page Three
  • Home Page Two
  • Home Tech2
  • Icons [No Sidebar]
  • Left Sidbear Page
  • Lynch Educational Consulting
  • My Account
  • My Speaking Page
  • Newsletter Sign Up Confirmation
  • Newsletter Unsubscription
  • Our Brands
  • Page Example
  • Privacy Policy
  • Protected Content
  • Register
  • Request a Product Review
  • Shop
  • Shortcodes Examples
  • Signup
  • Start Here
    • Governance
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • The Edvocate
  • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
  • Topics
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise

Main Menu

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Edupedia
    • Post a Job
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • School Ratings

logo

The Tech Edvocate

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
        • My Speaking Page
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Edupedia
    • Post a Job
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • School Ratings
  • How Machine Learning Will Transform the Classroom

  • Milestones of Development: Everything You Need to Know

  • Partnerships Between IT and Physical Security Improves Campus Security

  • Tips for Using Twitter in the Classroom

  • Writing and Reading Goals For the First Grade: Everything You Need to Know

  • Trends That Will Help Your EdTech Startup Succeed

  • Why Cultural Appropriation is Wrong

  • Differentiated Reading Instruction: Everything You Need to Know

  • 13 Ways to Differentiate Instruction

  • Assessing Your Students’ Reading Progress: Everything You Need to Know

Assistive Technology
Home›Assistive Technology›How Assistive Technology Helps Learners with Special Needs, Succeed in K-12

How Assistive Technology Helps Learners with Special Needs, Succeed in K-12

By Matthew Lynch
July 30, 2020
5
Spread the love

Special needs learners are those who cannot learn in conventional ways or with conventional strategies due to various conditions. Although they require alternative teaching styles and placements, these learners benefit greatly from their education. Getting an education is especially essential for those who cannot fully care for themselves or participate in their classrooms in the usual ways.

Special needs learners do not have to fall behind their peers, and can even catch up to them with the use of innovative assistive technology. In this article, we will discuss how assistive technology helps students with special needs navigate and thrive the K-12 system

Core apps for learners with special needs

Tech devices already come preloaded with assistive tech and accessibility settings, making them easier to utilize for people with various disabilities. Newer features like speech recognition software, screen-reading apps, and text to speech are helpful solutions for the visually impaired. Closed captioning apps and video conferencing tech facilitate sign language and lip reading for learners who are hearing impaired.

Because of tech, the genius of incredible minds such as that of Stephen Hawking has not been hindered but instead can be exercised and utilized for the excellence of all.

Assistive technology for adaptive learning environments

There are various kinds of assistive tech that special needs learners can utilize, whether in the classroom or from a distance. Tech can be used to supplement various disabilities, such as text to speech apps that help people with reading and cognitive disabilities.

Interactive whiteboards engage learners who have language disabilities as well as learners who are deaf or hard of hearing. Learners who have issues with fine motor control skills can utilize big font keyboards that are plugged into the USB port of a plain desktop computer to enable their typing techniques.

Learners with limited mobility can utilize digital apps to create art and attend classes that require the use of fine motor skills. For learners who are unable to attend physical classrooms, instructions can be delivered through video, audio, and instant messaging tech by way of distance learning programs and electronic or online schools.

Creation of the learner and educator bond

Assistive technology helps educators to track a learner’s level of comprehension on any subject matter. Because assistive technology is also able to help educators work with multiple learners at once, it can equalize the education of special needs learners. As a result, their peers can see them as more capable, independent, and participatory members of the school.

Creation of  Peer to Peer bonds

Learners with disabilities often have a hard time communicating with their educators or peers. While a deaf learner may know sign language, their non-deaf peers usually don’t. Assistive technology can be utilized to facilitate and strengthen classmate to classmate bonds and help with the creation of a sense of community.

The latest trends tech encompass wireless systems that allow a learner with disabilities to take their assistive learning devices anywhere. These systems let a learner go to the cafeteria and converse with their peers or have a discussion about a project in their STEM class.

This kind of tech can even help learners with disabilities rise to leadership positions, such as running for a seat in student government or participating in a club or other extracurricular activities. From the sharing of ideas to the building of camaraderie, assistive technology can help learners with disabilities maintain strong and long-lasting friendships with their peers at school.

Motivating students to success

Each time a learner with disabilities utilizes an assistive technology app or resources effectively, it reinforces the educational process and the use of the tech. Educators working with special needs learners who regularly use tech report that their learners have improved their levels of self-confidence and are better able to self-advocate when the need arises. Each success in the academic environment inspires special needs learners to challenge themselves further and may even inspire their peers to do the same.

Learners using assistive tech are also more willing to reach out to their teachers and their peers to form partnerships that enhance the teaching and learning process even more. It is a very productive cycle of academic success, all achieved by using assistive technology.

For a lot of special needs learners, their educational experience would be a lot more complicated without the presence of tech. Tech in education helps special needs learners to gain confidence in their abilities and attain a level of control over their lives. Assistive technology enables them to develop skills, challenge themselves, and learn basic communication skills that they will need throughout their entire lives.

Concluding thoughts

As tech continues to develop, having this basic comprehension and experience with computers, keyboards, and touch screens will allow special needs learners to pick up new features and devices as they become available.

Previous Article

How Can You Assess the Tech Needs ...

Next Article

A 2022 Definition of Edtech

Matthew Lynch

Related articles More from author

  • Assistive Technology

    6 Ways That Edtech Can Help Students with Autism

    September 12, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Assistive Technology

    Assistive Technology to Help Students with Developmental Delays Succeed Academically

    May 18, 2018
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Assistive Technology

    YouTube Videos on Assistive Technologies in the Classroom

    October 15, 2020
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Assistive TechnologyEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech Futures

    Up and Coming Technologies For the K-12 Classroom

    November 21, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Assistive TechnologyProduct Reviews

    Product Review of Articulate it! Assistive Technologies

    April 11, 2022
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Assistive Technology

    Assistive Technology to Help Students with Apraxia Succeed Academically

    May 23, 2018
    By Matthew Lynch

5 comments

  1. The Edvocate's Guide to K-12 Speech-Language Pathology - The Edvocate 25 November, 2020 at 12:42 Reply

    […] Speech-language pathology is centered on a variety of human communication and swallowing disorders affecting people of all ages. […]

  2. 9 Issues That Negatively Impact the Teaching and Learning Process - The Edvocate 11 March, 2021 at 06:29 Reply

    […] must have all the tools needed to cover the principles they are expected to teach. Technology is an amazing academic tool, but it is expensive to purchase, maintain and improve. In general, the curriculum constantly […]

  3. How Technology Can Transform Learning - The Tech Edvocate 31 March, 2021 at 17:34 Reply

    […] is always evolving and becoming a more significant aspect of education. There are a variety of reasons for […]

  4. How Speech-Language Therapists Can Prepare for Teaching Remotely - The Tech Edvocate 2 April, 2021 at 04:50 Reply

    […] teachers have had to adapt to remote learning, speech-language therapists also need to prepare for remote work. It is important to plan for remote learning, especially now. Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, […]

  5. 5 Steps To Ensure Inclusive Technology For All Learners - The Tech Edvocate 31 May, 2021 at 01:48 Reply

    […] The technology you will be using and how you use it needs to incorporate everybody in the classroom and all of the students’ special needs.  […]

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Search

Login & Registration

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

  • Recent

  • Popular

  • Comments

  • How Machine Learning Will Transform the Classroom

    By Matthew Lynch
    January 27, 2023
  • Milestones of Development: Everything You Need to Know

    By Matthew Lynch
    January 27, 2023
  • Partnerships Between IT and Physical Security Improves Campus Security

    By Matthew Lynch
    January 26, 2023
  • Tips for Using Twitter in the Classroom

    By Matthew Lynch
    January 26, 2023
  • Writing and Reading Goals For the First Grade: Everything You Need to Know

    By Matthew Lynch
    January 26, 2023
  • 20 Top Virtual Reality Apps that are Changing Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 11, 2017
  • 7 Ways Technology Is Impacting Modern Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 4, 2017
  • Why Mobile Technology Enhances Instruction

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 14, 2016
  • 7 Roles for Artificial Intelligence in Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 5, 2018
  • Digital Literacy is the Most Important Lifelong Learning Tool

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 30, 2017
  • Where to Find Dyslexia Support for Adults - Case Training Services | Registered Charity #1051587
    on
    August 2, 2022

    11 Must-Have Apps and Tools for Dyslexic Students

    […] recorders Electronic flashcards ...
  • What Types Of Posts Can You Make In Google Classroom? - The Tech Edvocate - Gossip ...
    on
    July 31, 2022

    How to Integrate Google Classroom with the Power of YouTube

    […] of your posts. ...
  • Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Google Classroom - The Tech Edvocate - Gossip Buz
    on
    July 31, 2022

    Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Google Classroom

    […] Answers to Frequently ...
  • 10 Important YouTube Channels For Teachers - Kiiky Wealth
    on
    July 29, 2022

    10 Incredibly Useful YouTube Channels for Teachers

    […] Thetechedvocate.org – 10 Incredibly ...
  • Teaching Learners Digital Content Curation Skills - Fab Lab Connect
    on
    June 30, 2022

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    […] Read More… […]

EdTech Policy & Reform

  • Curriculum & InstructionEdTech Policy & ReformEducation Leadership

    Why We Should Leave Behind the Cookie-cutter Education

    Spread the loveChange appears to be the only “constant” factor in the educational field. However, what happens when a more significant shift becomes necessary? To provide students with the best ...
  • Adaptive LearningCurriculum & InstructionDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital Age TeachersEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformInstructional Technology

    Exploring New Ideas: Student-Driven Remote Learning

    Spread the loveRemote learning is taking its toll on our students. They miss the social side of school. Not seeing their classmates or teachers is leading to nervousness, anxiety, and ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & Reform

    Implementing Education Technology by Pursuing Technology Education

    Spread the loveTechnology is used for many great things in our world. It’s a powerful tool when used correctly. As such, this powerful tool can be used to transform learning.  ...
  • EdTech Policy & Reform

    How Much Bias Is Okay in Your School?

    Spread the loveThe algorithm has proven itself to be a handy tool when it comes to solving education problems. It’s also not without bias.  You may be wondering how some ...
  • EdTech Policy & ReformFeaturedFresh

    Edtech Should Complement Good Pedagogy, Not Attempt to Replace It

    Spread the loveThe newest generation of edtech is downright amazing; it’s no wonder that various education stakeholders might be a little excited about its potential to transform education. However, edtech ...

EdTech Startups & Businesses

  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Trends That Will Help Your EdTech Startup Succeed

    Spread the loveIf you want to thrive in the destiny of learning and self, shorten, tailor, and gamify. The bulk of EdTech businesses believes that digitizing conventional learning methods and ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    How to Sell Your Edtech Product

    Spread the loveDevelop a profile of the perfect consumer, target clients that meet that description, and plan on a long sales cycle. Selling to schools takes a different sales process ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Edtech Companies Can Learn What Not to Do From Delta Airlines

    Spread the loveIt seems that edtech companies still have a lot to learn about their business models and practices. With that being said, there is a lot they can learn ...
  • Digital LeadershipEdTech Startups & BusinessesProduct Reviews

    Product Review of Collegix

    Spread the love This is a comprehensive ERP solution for colleges and universities that provides modular, totally integrated learners services, finance, HR, and advancement. Collegix provides online and offline workarounds ...
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech Startups & BusinessesProduct Reviews

    Product Review of Discovery Education

    Spread the love Discovery Education is a big player in EdTech. The company has established itself as the leading provider of digital curriculum resources, digital content, and professional development for ...

Digital Equity

  • Digital Equity

    How to Create an Equitable Digital Culture in K–12

    Spread the loveDigital equity is vital in our schools. After all, it can help close the achievement gap. However, there is one prevalent problem concerning digital equity. That is the problem ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityDigital Literacy

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    Spread the loveContent curation is nothing new and has always been a coveted skill. It has been this way for hundreds of years — think of art galleries, museums, or ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityEdTech & Innovation

    Promoting Online Access With Hotspots, Laptops, and Planning

    Spread the loveWhen becoming a leader in the field of education, it is important to consider equity. Some students may not have access to devices or the internet from their ...
  • Digital EquityDigital Leadership

    How Can You Assess the Tech Needs of Your Students Outside of School?

    Spread the loveToday, I received an email from the middle school principal in Los Angeles. She explained to me that the school that she ran was in one of the ...
  • Digital Equity

    It Is Time for the Edtech Industry to Stop Denying Its Equity and Race Problem

    Spread the loveThe EdTech industry is dominated by white employees, white leaders, and white entrepreneurs. If you doubt this statement, just attend an Edtech conference. Admittedly, educators and others don’t ...

EdTech Futures

  • EdTech Futures

    The IT Investments Securing the Future of Higher Education

    Spread the loveThe future of higher education still seems uncertain after the massive disruptions of the last two years. Universities and colleges are struggling with budget difficulties amid cybersecurity threats. ...
  • Adaptive LearningAssistive TechnologyEdTech FuturesInstructional TechnologyTeachers

    Will AI Replace Teachers?

    Spread the loveThrough the years, robots have taken over many jobs. First, they replaced horses and wagons and horses and plows, then they started to replace people. A few examples ...
  • EdTech FuturesHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechUncategorized

    The Future of Higher Education Must Avoid Returning to the Past

    Spread the loveColleges and universities can make higher education safer, smarter, and more accessible through automation and collaboration technologies – if they commit to it. Author: John Hulen, Director of ...
  • EdTech FuturesOnline Learning & eLearning

    IT Trends To Watch As Higher Education Moves Into a New Decade

    Spread the loveEdtech couldn’t have hoped for a better launch into the new decade than the push the industry received from COVID-19. Even the most tech-resistant institutions and individuals have ...
  • EdTech Futures

    4 Emerging EdTech Trends in 2022

    Spread the loveCovid-19 has not only changed education as we know it, but it has forced education technology (EdTech) to up its game. EdTech has been crucial since the start of this ...

About Us

Since technology is not going anywhere and does more good than harm, adapting is the best course of action. That is where The Tech Edvocate comes in. We plan to cover the PreK-12 and Higher Education EdTech sectors and provide our readers with the latest news and opinion on the subject. From time to time, I will invite other voices to weigh in on important issues in EdTech. We hope to provide a well-rounded, multi-faceted look at the past, present, the future of EdTech in the US and internationally.

We started this journey back in June 2016, and we plan to continue it for many more years to come. I hope that you will join us in this discussion of the past, present and future of EdTech and lend your own insight to the issues that are discussed.

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

Contact Us

The Tech Edvocate
5322 Markel Road, Suite 104
Richmond, VA 23230
(601) 630-5238
[email protected]

Follow us

Copyright © 2023 Matthew Lynch. All rights reserved.