Adaptive Technology

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.