Supporting Special Education with Technology

Technology seems to be all the rage in todays classrooms. From Smart Boards to IPads to Dragon Speech to Text, integrating technology is well on the rise, but it is not without its challenges. Learning how to use technology and how to apply it effectively in our classrooms or with individual students is often time consuming and difficult if we do not have the proper support or training. Here a few resources to help guide you through the intricate 'web' of technology.

I-CAN Center for Assistive Technology: Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital (Edmonton, AB)

An amazing part of Alberta's Special Education circle is the I-Can center located in the basement of the Glenrose Hospital. I have taken one inservice here and I would highly recommend passing the word around to fellow educators. The I-CAN Center helps people find effective tools and strategies, and helps clients, their families, and community members learn how to use the tools in their daily lives. Regardless if you have some technology in your classroom, the staff at the I-CAN Center have a wealth of knowledge in working with childrenand adults with Special Needs.

I first came across S.E.T (Special Education Technology) when I was searching for applications of Assistive Technology in the area if Dyslexia. Although this site is targeted at British Columbian School Districts, much of the information and resources within the SET website are relevant universally.

Reaching their True Potential: An article documenting the many successes of using technology (particularly the SmartBoard) with students with exceptional learning needs. In my first practicum in Special Education classroom, my Mentor teacher encouraged me to use the technology we had in our classroom as much as I could. The results were extraordinary. I had many hurdles to overcome to get these results and I felt a connection with this article as it outlines how each student truly does have the potential and the opportunity to be successful. Share this article with teachers who may be hesitant to integrate technology into their special education classrooms or with parents who are questioning the use of Smartboards.