Educational Technology Essay

My objective as a teacher of individuals with visual and physical impairments is to create a diverse learning environment, where every student has the ability to reach his or her fullest potential. Educational technology helps me in preparing my students for life in the real world, by giving them yet another avenue their which they can achieve their goals.

I do this by incorporating technology into the classroom as a integral part of the daily routine. Several of my students have physical disabilities that prohibit them from writing. Also, many of my students use adaptive tape recorders, closed circuit televisions, and screen enlargement software in order to complete their assignments. It is my desire to provide them with alternative means by which they can achieve success.

I sometimes present my lessons using Microsoft PowerPoint. Since I am unable to write and I also type very slowly, I use Dragon Dictate Naturally speaking to prepare assignments for my class. I also use the Mapper database program to take my daily attendance. Although I do not currently teach any Braille readers, I have used Duxbury Braille translation software in the past, as well as Zoom Text screen enlargement software.

My students participate in many hands-on activities throughout the day. This helps them to compensate for their disabilities. Technology is another means of engaging students in an interactive education, making them active, rather than passive learners. Teaching students who have disabilities to use technology in the classroom, allows them to gain an understanding of the world around them. This understanding is one that the students may not otherwise have had. Therefore, hands-on, cooperative grouping activities involving technology are one of the best ways to stimulate an interest in learning, for this particular group of students.

As children are growing up, it is always a struggle to be accepted by one's peers, especially when you are a child who has been afflicted with a disability. However, I know from personal experience, that these struggles can be overcome. In my classroom, I provide my students with interactive activities that will encourage them to talk with their peers, thereby fostering the development of friendships. More exposure to technology will serve to give my students freedom to communicate with others, thereby developing more meaning full relationships.

Since I myself was mainstreamed into the regular education classroom for the entire day, I feel that I understand, and can best help this particular group of students succeed. My primary goal in teaching my students is, to provide support and encouragement to them. What better way to do this, than to provide them with the technology and tools that they need to become independent, self-sufficient adults. Secondly, I work collaboratively with the general education teachers, by helping them adapt their lesson plans to accommodate the unique needs of my students. In many cases this entails providing teachers with the adaptive equipment my students need in order to successfully complete the course work. This collaboration is crucial, if my students are to be successful upon entering into the real world.

Lastly, I want to be a role model for my students. I want to inspire them to never give the up, no matter how impossible the circumstances may seem. Watching students whom i have taught succeed, has helped to inspire me to keep going, even when i feel defeated by my own limitations. I want to demonstrate to my students that, although they have a disability, they too can be contributing members of society.