You are recognized as the technology champion of your school district because of your dedication to promoting computer science for all students, especially students with disabilities. The school district has asked you to create a portfolio of technology devices, tools, and resources to share at an upcoming staff development day. Research current assistive technology devices, tools, and resources available that enhance learning and in-class activities for the following categories: Reading Writing Memory Listening Mathematics Organization Social interactions

QUESTION

You are recognized as the technology champion of your school district because of your dedication to promoting computer science for all students, especially students with disabilities. The school district has asked you to create a portfolio of technology devices, tools, and resources to share at an upcoming staff development day.

Research current assistive technology devices, tools, and resources available that enhance learning and in-class activities for the following categories:

Reading
Writing
Memory
Listening
Mathematics
Organization
Social interactions

Create a 2.5- to 3-page technology portfolio that includes the following information:

A minimum 1/2 page introduction detailing the federal and (your) state laws regarding assistive technology
A list of 3 to 5 technology devices, tools, or resources (minimum of 21 total) for each of the categories of learning listed above
A brief description of the device, tool, or resource with an explanation of how it’s used by or for students in the respective learning category
The benefit(s) or challenge(s) of use
The identification of where the device, tool, or resource fits on the SAMR Model, including justification (refer to this week’s “Introduction to the SAMR Model” video for guidance)

ANSWER

Federal and State Laws Regarding Assistive Technology

Assistive technology plays a crucial role in promoting inclusive education by providing support and accessibility to students with disabilities. The utilization of technology devices, tools, and resources is guided by both federal and state laws to ensure equal educational opportunities. At the federal level, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates the provision of assistive technology devices and services to students with disabilities who require them to access their education. Furthermore, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protect the rights of individuals with disabilities, including their access to assistive technology. In our state, [insert state name], we adhere to these federal laws and have additional regulations in place to ensure appropriate assistive technology implementation in our schools. The state law [insert specific state law] reinforces the commitment to inclusive education and sets guidelines for the provision of assistive technology devices, tools, and resources to meet the diverse needs of our students.

Reading

Kurzweil 3000

Kurzweil 3000 is a text-to-speech software that supports students with reading difficulties. It converts written text into speech, allowing students to listen to digital or scanned text materials. Users can also access various tools such as highlighting, note-taking, and vocabulary support. Kurzweil 3000 assists students in improving reading comprehension and fluency.

Benefit: Kurzweil 3000 enables students with reading challenges to access written content effectively. It supports their independent reading, comprehension, and vocabulary development.

SAMR Model Placement: Modification – By using Kurzweil 3000, students are modifying their reading experience by employing digital tools and enhancing their understanding through auditory input.

Bookshare

Bookshare is an online accessible library that provides a vast collection of digital books in various accessible formats. It offers options for text-to-speech, enlarged fonts, and customizable reading settings. Students with print disabilities, such as visual impairments or dyslexia, can benefit from Bookshare’s accessible reading materials.

Benefit: Bookshare provides students with disabilities equal access to a wide range of books, fostering a love for reading and improving reading skills.

SAMR Model Placement: Augmentation – Bookshare enhances the reading experience by providing accessible digital books, expanding the possibilities beyond traditional print materials.

Read&Write

Read&Write is a literacy support software that assists students with reading challenges. It offers text-to-speech capabilities, word prediction, picture dictionaries, and annotation tools. Read&Write supports students in decoding and understanding text, improving their overall reading skills.

Benefit: Read&Write empowers students with reading difficulties by providing them with tools to access, comprehend, and interact with text independently.

SAMR Model Placement: Augmentation – Read&Write enhances the reading process by incorporating digital tools that improve accessibility and facilitate reading comprehension.

Writing

Co:Writer

Co:Writer is a word prediction software that assists students with writing difficulties. It predicts words or phrases based on what the student is typing, providing options to choose from. Co:Writer promotes independent writing by reducing spelling errors and supporting vocabulary expansion.

Benefit: Co:Writer helps students with writing challenges express their ideas more efficiently, increasing their writing fluency and confidence.

SAMR Model Placement: Modification – Co:Writer modifies the writing process by utilizing word prediction technology to enhance the quality and efficiency of written expression.

Speech-to-Text Apps (e.g., Dragon Dictation)

Speech-to-Text apps, such as Dragon Dictation, allow students to dictate their thoughts and have them converted into written text. These apps support students with fine motor challenges, dysgraphia, or other writing difficulties.

Benefit: Speech-to

-Text apps enable students to bypass handwriting challenges and focus on generating ideas, promoting more efficient and accurate written expression.

SAMR Model Placement: Augmentation – Speech-to-Text apps augment the writing process by providing an alternative mode of input, enabling students to express their thoughts through speech rather than traditional writing methods.

Google Docs with Collaborative Editing

Google Docs is a web-based word processing tool that enables real-time collaboration among students. It allows multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously, making it beneficial for students who require support or collaboration during the writing process.

Benefit: Google Docs with collaborative editing fosters teamwork, peer feedback, and facilitates the writing process for students with diverse abilities.

SAMR Model Placement: Redefinition – Collaborative editing on Google Docs transforms the writing process by redefining the possibilities for collaboration, feedback, and engagement among students.

Memory

Evernote

Evernote is a note-taking and organization app that allows students to capture, store, and organize information across multiple devices. It provides features like audio recording, image attachments, and searchable notes, assisting students in managing and retrieving information effectively.

Benefit: Evernote enhances students’ organizational skills and memory retention by providing a centralized platform for note-taking and accessing information across various devices.

SAMR Model Placement: Augmentation – Evernote augments the memory process by providing a digital platform for note-taking and easy access to stored information.

Remind

Remind is a communication tool that allows teachers to send reminders, announcements, and assignments to students and parents via text messages or emails. Students can set up reminders for important deadlines or events, aiding in memory recall and task management.

Benefit: Remind supports students’ memory and time-management skills by providing timely reminders and keeping them informed about important dates and assignments.

SAMR Model Placement: Augmentation – Remind augments the memory process by utilizing digital notifications to provide timely reminders and facilitate effective communication.

Quizlet

Quizlet is an online learning platform that offers flashcards, quizzes, and study games to help students memorize and review content. It provides various study modes and interactive activities, making learning engaging and promoting memory retention.

Benefit: Quizlet enhances students’ memory and recall by providing interactive study tools and personalized learning experiences.

SAMR Model Placement: Modification – Quizlet modifies the memory process by utilizing digital flashcards and interactive study modes, improving the effectiveness and engagement of memorization techniques.

Listening

FM Systems

FM Systems are wireless listening devices that enhance sound clarity and minimize background noise. They consist of a transmitter microphone worn by the teacher and a receiver worn by the student. FM Systems benefit students with hearing impairments by amplifying the teacher’s voice and improving their listening experience.

Benefit: FM Systems ensure students with hearing difficulties have equal access to auditory information, improving their listening comprehension and participation in the classroom.

SAMR Model Placement: Augmentation – FM Systems augment the listening process by providing amplified sound and reducing background noise, enhancing the overall auditory experience.

 Captioning Tools (e.g., Google Meet Live Captions)

Captioning tools, like Google Meet Live Captions, generate real-time captions during video conferences or online lectures. They benefit students with hearing impairments, auditory processing challenges, or language barriers by providing visual support to complement spoken information.

Benefit: Captioning tools enhance students’ listening experience and comprehension by providing visual text alongside spoken content, facilitating understanding and accessibility.

SAMR Model Placement: Modification – Captioning tools modify the listening process by incorporating visual text, enabling students to access auditory information through multiple modalities.

Audiobooks

Audiobooks are digital or audio recordings of books that students can listen to instead of reading the printed text. Audiobooks support students with reading difficulties,visual impairments, or language barriers, allowing them to access literature and content through auditory input.

Benefit: Audiobooks promote listening skills, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension for students who struggle with traditional reading methods.

SAMR Model Placement: Augmentation – Audiobooks augment the listening and reading processes by providing alternative access to written content through auditory input, expanding students’ opportunities for literary engagement.

Mathematics

MathTalk/MathType

MathTalk and MathType are speech recognition and equation editors designed specifically for mathematics. They allow students to dictate mathematical equations or input them using customized keyboard shortcuts. These tools benefit students with physical disabilities or difficulties in writing mathematical expressions.

Benefit: MathTalk/MathType enable students to express and manipulate mathematical content efficiently, promoting their mathematical understanding and independent problem-solving skills.

SAMR Model Placement: Modification – MathTalk/MathType modify the mathematics learning process by providing alternative methods of input and facilitating mathematical expression using speech or customized shortcuts.

Geogebra

Geogebra is a dynamic mathematics software that combines geometry, algebra, and calculus. It provides interactive tools and visualizations to support conceptual understanding and problem-solving in mathematics. Geogebra benefits students by engaging them in hands-on exploration of mathematical concepts.

Benefit: Geogebra enhances students’ mathematical understanding and critical thinking skills by providing a visual and interactive platform for exploring mathematical concepts.

SAMR Model Placement: Augmentation – Geogebra augments the mathematics learning process by utilizing digital tools and visualizations to deepen conceptual understanding and promote active mathematical exploration.

Wolfram|Alpha

Wolfram|Alpha is an online computational knowledge engine that provides answers and solutions to various mathematical and scientific queries. It supports students by generating step-by-step solutions, solving equations, and providing access to vast mathematical resources.

Benefit: Wolfram|Alpha enhances students’ problem-solving skills and mathematical knowledge by providing accurate answers, explanations, and computational assistance.

SAMR Model Placement: Augmentation – Wolfram|Alpha augments the mathematics learning process by providing a powerful computational tool that goes beyond traditional problem-solving approaches, expanding students’ access to mathematical resources and expertise.

Organization

 Google Calendar

Google Calendar is a digital calendar tool that allows students to schedule and organize their tasks, events, and deadlines. It provides reminders, color-coding, and sharing options, promoting effective time management and organization (Workspace, n.d.).

Benefit: Google Calendar enhances students’ organizational skills by providing a digital platform for scheduling, prioritizing, and managing tasks, events, and deadlines.

SAMR Model Placement: Modification – Google Calendar modifies the organization process by replacing traditional paper calendars and offering digital features that facilitate effective task management and time organization (Best, 2022).

Trello

Trello is an online task management tool that uses boards, lists, and cards to help students track and prioritize their assignments, projects, or tasks. It provides a visual interface, due date reminders, and collaboration options, enhancing organization and productivity.

Benefit: Trello supports students’ organization and task management skills by providing a visual and collaborative platform for planning, tracking, and completing assignments.

SAMR Model Placement: Augmentation – Trello augments the organization process by providing a digital task management system that improves collaboration, organization, and productivity.

OneNote

OneNote is a digital note-taking and organization tool that allows students to gather, organize, and share notes, files, and multimedia content in one place. It offers features like text recognition, drawing tools, and collaboration options, promoting efficient note-taking and organization.

Benefit: OneNote enhances students’ note-taking and organization skills by providing a digital platform for capturing, organizing, and accessing information across various devices.

SAMR Model Placement: Modification – OneNote modifies the organization process by digitizing and centralizing note-taking and organizing methods, offering features that facilitate content integration and retrieval.

Social Interactions

Communication Apps (e.g., Slack)

Communication apps, like Slack, provide a platform for students to engage in online discussions, group projects, and collaborative communication. They offer channels, direct messaging, and file sharing, promoting effective communication and collaboration.

Benefit: Communication apps enhance students’ social interactions and collaboration skills by providing a digital platform for asynchronous or synchronous communication and group work.

SAMR Model Placement: Modification – Communication apps modify the social interaction process by providing a digital space for communication and collaboration, expanding opportunities for online interactions and engagement.

Video Conferencing Tools (e.g., Zoom)

Video conferencing tools, like Zoom, facilitate virtual meetings, discussions, and presentations. They support students in remote learning settings or when face-to-face interactions are challenging. Video conferencing tools provide real-time audio and video communication, screen sharing, and recording options.

Benefit: Video conferencing tools enable students to engage in virtual social interactions, participate in class discussions, and collaborate with peers and teachers, regardless of their physical location.

SAMR Model Placement: Modification – Video conferencing tools modify the social interaction process by providing a virtual platform for real-time audiovisual communication and collaboration, expanding the possibilities of remote learning and interaction (Blundell et al., 2022).

Online Discussion Forums (e.g., Google Classroom)

Online discussion forums within learning management systems, like Google Classroom, provide a space for students to engage in asynchronous discussions, ask questions, and share ideas. They promote social interaction, peer feedback, and active participation.

Benefit: Online discussion forums foster students’ social interactions, critical thinking, and collaboration skills by providing a digital platform for asynchronous discussions and knowledge sharing.

SAMR Model Placement: Modification – Online discussion forums modify the social interaction process by providing a digital space for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and active participation, extending the possibilities of engagement beyond traditional classroom discussions.

In conclusion, assistive technology devices, tools, and resources have a significant impact on enhancing learning and inclusivity for students with disabilities. By incorporating these technologies into the classroom, we can create an environment that supports all students’ diverse needs and promotes their academic success. These technologies align with various levels of the SAMR Model, from modification to redefinition, indicating their potential to transform and elevate the learning experiences of our students.

References

Best, J. (2022, September 21). The SAMR Model Explained (With 15 Practical Examples). 3P Learning. https://www.3plearning.com/blog/connectingsamrmodel/ 

Blundell, C., Mukherjee, M., & Nykvist, S. (2022). A scoping review of the application of the SAMR model in research. Computers and Education Open, 3, 100093. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeo.2022.100093 

Workspace, G. (n.d.). Shareable Online Calendar and Scheduling – Google Calendar. Google Workspace. https://calendar.google.com/