EdTech: What is assistive technology?
This module explores the range of accessibility assistance, from common mainstream software, apps and tools, through to the specialist or bespoke technology for complex individual needs, and its implications for teaching and learning practice.
Aim
This module shows you how what assistive technology is and the role it plays in lowering barriers to learning for its users.
Objective
After completing this module you will be able to:
- Describe the affordances and requirements of the main forms of assistive technology
- Adjust or supplement your teaching and learning practice and resources to support users of assistive technology
Digital Teaching Professional Framework
This module covers the EdTech component - F1 : Accessibility
- Provide equitable access to appropriate digital technologies and resources, e.g. ensuring that all learners have access to the digital technologies used.
- Select and use digital strategies which respond to the learner's digital context, e.g. contextual constraints to their technology use (e.g. availability, institutional restrictions - offender learning, work based learning), competences, expectations, attitudes, misconceptions and misuses.
- Use digital technologies and strategies, e.g. assistive technologies, designed for learners' in need of special support (e.g. learners with physical or mental constraints; learners with learning disorders).
- Consider and respond to potential accessibility issues when selecting, modifying or creating digital resources and to provide alternative or compensatory tools or approaches for learners with special needs.
- Use design principles for increasing accessibility for the resources and digital environments used in teaching.
- Continuously monitor and reflect on the suitability of the measures implemented to improve accessibility and adapt strategies accordingly.
This module inspired the following reflection
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Feedback about this module
Average feedback ratings
Taking note of your feedback
We greatly appreciate the time taken to provide us with feedback on each module. We regularly review all the feedback provided and use it to inform the development of new modules. Subject to funds being available and other constraints, we will amend existing modules where feedback shows this is required.Feedback from other members about this module
many good points made
I will certainly look to introduce low level technology to encourage all participants to understand differentiation opportunities.
A very informative module.
Very effective modules outlining the importance of assisting technology for learners with additional needs
Showing learners how to use the tools available for better progress and accessibility.
Made me look at technology in a different way
A reminder of the benefits of assistive technology, including low, medium and high end and the benefits of this to individuals with additional learning needs
okay but aimed at college environments
Has a LSA this section is highly relevant and did show me some of the advantages of PDF documents regarding accessibility tools.
Quite a hard module, I tried to do it twice and learnt a lot from getting my answers wrong and seeing what was right.
There is a lot of information in this accessibility badge, it was very useful for my current role.
Assistive technologies facilitate learning well and the virtual experience overcomes barriers
Eye opening
I think that the Q+A section could have been worded better.
Very useful module.
Very useful some excellent ideas presented.
I use online resources to teach practical elements of equine management. This allows us to become aware of H&S issues
I think this is a useful Module as it emphasised that using assistive technology can be useful for all of our learners and should be promoted that way.
This module encouraged me to explore what accessibility tools are in the programmes i use for teaching, so this can be highlighted to learners in the hope it will benefit them.
Useful short summary of Assistive Technology and how it can benefit all users
Good to see the different types of technology assisting methods
Made me think about the relative abilities of students
ok
some really useful hints and tips here - thanks!
A really helpful module , thank you.
Very informative
Specific and targeted for each students individual needs.
the first responses i gave in matching scenarios to assistive technology were except one. i was told they were wrong. did not feel good seeing that they were right after all. the correct responses should be marked right and the wrong ones indicated.
I need to learn more about the main stream assisted technology
The possibilities are many, from VR to speech and text aids. The subject is a study in itself. The issue for the future is have the establishments the money and the desire to embed the technology. One thing that will be happening is that the traditional classroom must change for all students.
it is great to learn new ways to teach students, and that can support their individuals needs.
Interesting module that promotes inclusion of technology for all learners rather than focusing on disabilities.
Great stuff!
Some really good software ,I like the example of Maureen with the different impairments her students have
Refreshed my existing knowledge of assistive technology
This is an excellent reminder if the technologies available to assist learners absorb knowledge. I liked the references to text to speech apps which may benefit dyslexia and under age reader learners where large blocks of text information with facts and figures need to be passed on. Text to speech could also improve a learners understanding of English with the pronunciation of words and the construction of sentences.
This module gives an overview of the different aspects of Accessibility and how small changes can make a big difference to all learners!
Sometimes language used is misleading!
Very informative - especially if you support students with an EHCP.
It was a good module which reminded me on using virtual learning software and glasses.
Helped to focuse of resources and how to adapt them to be use ful for the students
Good resource
Really good information on this module. I will be trying the decluttering of ads on browsers to enable better concentration and outcomes. I will see if I can adapt PDF's using the reflow text to make this easier to read
The tips about using Reader Mode or Chrome Mercury Reader extension were useful
informative
Helpful
Very informative.
This was really interesting and I will defiantly work with this.
Clear and easy to understand.
Brilliant module. Learned so much - how to check accessibility of a word document; read aloud in edge and translate a webpage.
Easy to follow module, discussing a range of assistive technology and how it can be implemented.
Quite Simplistic overview - could do with more examples i.e a learner has a hearing impediment would could you suggest they use i.e Immersive Reader - to read or diction to type answers
I really liked the option to make the learning to be engaging with the learners all being inclusive in the session.
I can easily understand how the use of many of these technologies can assist learners e.g. text to speech for learners who find it difficult to put thoughts into words.
Really useful
helpful to see what you can do to overcome barriers in education with technology
This was a really useful introduction to assistive technology and something that I am looking forward to researching more. Giving learners more options to learn and breaking barriers is vital to make the learning inclusive. Particularly want to see how I can use this to support self directed study.
bespoke technology for complex individual needs, and its implications for teaching and learning practice.
Interesting
Some useful ideas but did not learn anything really that I did not already know, I thought it was going to have more direct links to applications which can be used rather than just more links to do searches