Assistive Technology
My Experiences With Assistive Technology
When I worked as an EA on School District 61’s spare board, I was able to observe a variety of classrooms and schools. Each one was unique and had access to different forms of assistive technology. One tool I saw in many of the schools was iPads, which were used in a variety of ways. For example, when I supported a student that had down syndrome, we would use it as a communication tool as they were able to see the images and press them to tell me what they needed. The IPAD was also used for communication with a Ukraine refugee student, as it allowed them to use google translate to talk with me and the teacher.
Unfortunately, I also saw the IPAD used without much thought or intention, as a way to quiet a high-needs behavioural student in a grade one classroom I worked in. This student had a lot of energy and none of that energy was put toward what their teacher wanted. I can empathize with the teacher that managing their busy classroom and this student would be exhausting, nevertheless, I was disappointed that their go-to solution was giving them an iPad so they would sit still. The student was extremely bright and capable of far more than the teacher invested in him. Thus, in this case, I believe assistive technology was used but not in a way that benefited this student.
Looking Back and Looking Ahead
Two forms of digital accessibility practices that often see missed are closed captions in elementary schools and proper colour contrast on university slides. In many elementary classrooms that I’ve been in, I did not see closed captioning on their videos. I recognize that in the lower primary grades, this may not be as helpful, but I still think it can be good practice to use. Moreover, as I am privileged to have no vision issues, I did not think about colour contrast on my website or on any presentation slides that I have made over my work and school career. I will certainly be keeping this in mind going forward.
Yes Jenna! What a lovely post! I enjoyed that you spoke to your personal experiences with assistive technology in classrooms. I had a similar experience in seeing both the benefits and draw backs of technology in the classroom. I love that you broke up the post with different headings, making it clear what you would be talking about, it’s very easy to follow. Also nice closed captions. Great work. 10/10.