I found the three Adaptive Technology devices used at Northern Lights
Elementary to be very interesting and useful for students. I thought it was a
great idea to incorporate technology in the classroom that focuses specifically
on aiding and supporting students in the learning process. Students were excited
to use the technology and help their classmates learn how to use the
technology.
One of the adaptive technology devices used was the Co-writer, a writing
assistant program. As the student begins a sentence, the computer predicts
words that are in student’s vocabulary. It assists them in finishing sentences
and makes the writing process a lot easier. It even reads the sentence back to
the student to make sure that it is correct. This tool can be useful in the
classroom for students who have special needs or learning needs. One of the
students in the video mentioned that he enjoyed using his Co-writer because it
was portable allowing him to stay in the classroom with his friends rather than
being pulled out of the classroom for extra help. I like this tool a lot and I
think that students who need extra support can work independently when writing
rather than having the teacher constantly support them through the process
which can increase their desire to learn as well as their self esteem.
Another device mentioned was the Wynn read program. With this program,
students can scan a text and have it read to them. As the computer reads aloud
to the student it highlights each word, which allows them to read along
effectively. Students can also pick a different color background besides white
that works best for their eyes, for example, blue or black. They can also
change the size of the font to make it easier to see. This is also a very
effective tool in helping students not only read but also read with
comprehension. This makes the reading process as comfortable and easy as
possible. Students will not be deterred from reading but rather will enjoy
reading.
The third and most interesting adaptive technology is the Dragon
NaturallySpeaking program. This program allows students to speak into a
microphone, which processes the words and writes down the sentences for the
students. Without having to type, students can write entire paragraphs. The
Dragon NaturallySpeaking program provides “greater
independence for students with physical disabilities” while also “Improve[s] writing fluency for students learning
English.”
In addition to being able to write
paragraphs by speaking, users can also write emails using Dragon. By speaking,
the user can write a message and say “insert signature” to have their signature
at the end of the email. In addition, Dragon also allows users to post to
Facebook and Twitter without typing or clicking a mouse. Command such as “post
to Facebook” and “Click ‘OK’” are simple phrases that make doing tasks on the
computer easier.
Also, Dragon also
allows users to open up programs on their computer. By speaking, users can open
Microsoft word or even play solitaire by telling the program where to move the
mouse. (The video below shows this in more detail)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVMgQzkbh08
All of the adaptive technology programs can help students to gain
confidence in their skills in reading and writing. They may even try writing on
paper once they feel that they have improved their skills like one of the
students mentioned in the video. Students will become excited about reading and
writing and see it as a fun task rather than a difficult requirement. Students
with disabilities will also find these programs and devices easy to use and
supportive in their effort to learn.
Works cited
"Dragon for
Education." Dragon Education Solutions. Nuance, n.d. Web. 15
Oct. 2013.
<http://www.nuance.com/for-business/by-industry/education/dragon- education-solutions/index.htm>
IndataprojectESC.
"Dragon Naturally Speaking Tech Tip." YouTube. YouTube,
27 Jan.
2010. Web. 15 Oct. 2013.
