Loras College

Uses of Computers in Schools for Children with

Disabilities

By Abby Reinke
Foundations of Programming Languages
Brenda Litka
Nov. 25, 2015

Special Education and the History of Technology in the

Classroom
Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of technology in special
education classrooms, starts with special education and its background.
Special education is any academic program or initiative aimed at serving
students who have mental, physical, or emotional disabilities, (The Center
for Public Education - National School Boards Association). Public schools are
required to provide special education services for all children with disabilities
under IDEA 1(Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). These services are
required to be offered for children ages three to twenty-one at no cost to the
families of the students. Special education is intended to help students
achieve in the classroom, at work, and in other life settings. It can be
anything from academic tutoring, to teaching students life skills.
Even though each students disabilities are different, IDEA groups each
student into one of fourteen broad categories that include: Autism, deafblindness, deafness, developmental delay, emotional disturbance, hearing
impairment, mental retardation, orthopedic impairment, specific learning
disability, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, visual
impairment, multiple disabilities, and other health impairments. As can be
seen by the list provided, there is a variety of student disabilities. Therefore

1 IDEA stands for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which is a four part
piece of American legislation the makes sure students with a disability are provided
with Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that is tailored to their needs as an
individual.

adjustments to education for each student are needed, and they are going to
be a little different. Nearly every school district in the country serves at least
one student in special education. In 2006, nine percent of the population
ages six through twenty-one were served under IDEA.
More than 40 percent of all students under IDEA that receive special
services have a disability classified as a specific learning disabilities. This
can include anything that impairs a students ability to listen, think, speak,
read, write, spell, or to do mathematical calculations. In 2006, dyslexia was
recognized as the most common disability in these students. The next
highest percentage, at about 20 percent, fell under the category of speech or
language impairment. Students included in both of these categories,
typically spend the majority of their day in a normal classroom. At about 9
percent, mental retardation is the next highest category. Emotional
disturbance and other health impairments then follow at 8 percent each.
Experts estimate only 10 to 15 percent of students who receive special
education, have what would be considered severe handicaps (The Center for
Public Education - National School Boards Association). This means that most
students spend much of their day in a regular classroom. Advancing
technology, such as applications for laptops, iPads, Kindles, and other
tablets, as well as online courses, have helped students with disabilities
succeed in the classroom. This has provided each student with an enhanced
learning experience.

A brief history of general technology in classrooms, starts in the

Colonial years. During these years, wooden paddles with printed lessons
were used to assist students in learning verses. More than 200 years of this
curriculum was in effect until 1870. During the late 1800s technology
advanced to include the Magic Lantern, a simple version of a slide
projector that projected images printed on glass plates. Following this idea,
in 1890 the Chalkboard came about, shortly followed by the pencil in 1900.
With the invention of the radio in the 1920s, on-air classes were available for
any student in listening range. The over-head projector followed in 1930 and
the ballpoint pen in 1940. Headphones came around in 1950 and video tapes
showed up on the scene in 1951. The photocopier in 1959 and the handheld
calculator in 1972 entered the classrooms next, enabling mass production of
material and quick mathematical calculations. Finally, in 1981 IBM introduced
its first personal computer. After this revolutionary advancement, education
knew it was on the verge of greatness and that it would be changed
forever. Technology quickly advanced from the first mass-market laptop in
1985, to the World Wide Web in 1990. By 2009, 97 percent of classrooms had
at least one computer and 93 percent of these computers had internet
access. There was, on average, one computer for every five students. About
40 percent of students used these machines in their educational methods
(Purdue University).
Technology in the classroom has advanced significantly since the late
1900s. Many schools today give students either a laptop or tablet that is

theirs to use for the year. Schools also have a computer lab for students to
work in as well. Classrooms have smart boards to use during class. As far as
special education is concerned, students have their own iPads, iPods, or
tablets, to use while at school. The uses for todays technology varies greatly.
For example, online courses in math let the students progress at their own
pace. Online courses require students to understand a topic before moving
onto the next. Something as simple as a word processing software can make
taking notes for some students easier. There is word prediction software that
lends help in writing for students with mild learning disabilities.
Communication technologies, optical character recognition technology, apps
that assist in enhancing social skills, assistive word processors, applications
for reward charts, text-to-speech technology, and augmentative and
alternate communication applications are all options special education
teachers use to improve their ability to create a more inclusive classroom
(Palmer 10-12). In the following sections, different applications, and the
advantages and disadvantages of technology in special education
classrooms will be discussed. The options for technology in special education
are truly endless with advancing technology and as technology advances,
the hope is that education will also advance, assisting students in achieving
their academic goals.

Applications and Technological Devices Used in Special Education

Classrooms
There are countless uses of technology in special education
classrooms. Many of the applications that can be used, are helpful for more
than one category of disabilities. In the following paragraphs, some
applications, both specific and broad, will be described. The advantages of
the applications, and the features, will also be expressed.
One of the majorly discussed technologies or applications was wordprediction software. This software, when used with word processing
programs, reduces the number of keystrokes needed to type words. It
provides assistance with spelling for students at various levels. Often,
students with mild disabilities, specifically communication deficits, will avoid
usage of longer words and complex thoughts. They do this to avoid the
frustration that accompanies the act of writing. Word prediction software
allows students with mild disabilities, in addition to those with minor
communication and motor impairments, to express their ideas or thoughts in
a vocabulary that represents these thoughts, rather than a vocabulary that is
easiest for them to spell and write (Hasselbring and Williams Glaser 107). Of
the top ten apps for iPads two of the ten are assistive word processors. One
of them includes word-prediction technology. The list, compiled by Randall
Palmer, has an application called Clicker Docs listed as number two of the
top ten. This is an assistive word processor that uses word-prediction
technology to provide students with spelling and grammatical suggestions to

correct their writing. It has a tool that allows students to review their work by
listening for auditory cues, called synthesized speech (Palmer 11).
Word-prediction can be considered part of communication technology,
as it helps students communicate their thoughts and ideas. Other
applications that fit into this category include email, used to help students
removed from the classroom, communicate with other students, without
their disability at the forefront of the conversation (Hasselbring and Williams
Glaser 107-108). It can encompass applications or devices that aid in
communicating the needs of a student or thoughts of a student to teachers
and other classmates.
An app that is very different from most others is ConversationBuilder.
This application is very useful for speech language pathologists. It prompts
students through each stage of an interactive conversation and records their
spoken response. This is then played back at the end of a session allowing
students to hear themselves at a natural pace. The conversations can be
stored and used as evidence of the students progress (Palmer 12).
Another big part of the communication category is augmentative
alternative communication (AAC) devices. These help make it possible for
students with no speech or poor speech to overcome their communication
problems. The only purpose of AAC devices is to provide a means of
communication for students who struggle to communicate. Many AAC
devices aid communication through the use of pictures and graphics. Many
devices today also have features that allow synthetic or digital speech

output. Some systems allow output to be printed by a printer attached to the

device, or they allow the words to be shown on an LCD display (Hasselbring
and Williams Glaser 110-111). The capabilities of different devices varies
widely. There are also applications for iPads, which made the list of the top
ten created by Randall Palmer that could be considered AAC devices. One of
them, ranking at number three, is SymbolSupport. This app is also an
assistive word processor that automatically translates words into pictures
and symbols. This application is especially helpful for students with cognitive
disabilities. Proloquo2Go is another AAC application and was one of the first
created for iOS devices. It provides a simple voice for students that
struggle to speak otherwise. A third application mentioned in the top ten
article printed in 2013, was Pictello. Pictello is an app that allows students
and educators to create multimedia stories and presentations using pictures.
Audio can be produced using a text-to-speech engine or can be recorded by
a user. Pictello is recognized as a good tool to use with students on the
autism spectrum (Palmer 11-13).
Pictello is a good transition point for text-to-speech technology. Pictello
uses text-to-speech technology, which is helpful for students who have sight
impairments, reading disabilities, and other various disabilities. Another good
example of an application that covers a variety of disabilities is Read2Go.
This program uses Bookshare.org2. Books are downloaded in an electric form
that can be modified easily to meet the needs of the reader. The needs can
2 Bookshare.org provides electronic copies of books and periodicals for readers with
print disabilities.

vary from alternate text font, size, color, and also using text-to-speech
technology, which provides read-aloud capabilities. Read2Go can be used to
read books aloud and because of its integration with Bookshare, it makes
locating and downloading textbooks easy.
There are additional technologies for students with visual impairments. While
Read2Go may be an option, there are also computer-based applications, one
being optical character recognition (OCR) technology. This technology can
scan and read text aloud, which allows users with visual impairments better
access to all types of print material. It allows these students to read the
information independently. This type of software is available for most
computers and scanners (Hasselbring and Williams Glaser 114).
To finish the list of the top ten applications for iPads there are four that
have not been discussed. These four do not really fit into the above
categories. The first is called Sosh (pronounced like the first syllable in
social). This is an application filled with different activities and tools designed
to help people who struggle with social skills. The program is based on five
major sections. The sections include Relate, Relax, Regulate, Reason, and
Recognize. It intends to help people pick up on social ques they would
normally struggle to see. Sosh provides similar tools as those used in
cognitive and behavioral therapy and it allows students to work
independently to achieve their goals (Palmer 11).
The second application that has not yet been discussed is Time Timer.
This application helps students understand the concept of time. It provides a

visual representation of the time remaining in a class or an activity without

the use of an actual clock (Palmer 11).
Another application is iReward. In the field of special education,
motivation earning charts are very common. These charts are intended to
help the student visualize the progress they have been making. iReward
eases the process for teachers and allows the student to share their progress
if they wish to do so, or they can keep the information to themselves (Palmer
11).
Video Scheduler was discussed last in Randall Palmers list of top ten
iPad apps for special education. This app is a combination of a video model
and an activity schedule. It allows checklists to be created, identifying tasks
or goals that need to be accomplished. This application also allows the
teacher to add a photo or video that show how to complete a task. This
application is helpful for students on the autism spectrum and also students
who simply struggle with time and task management. It allows students to
work independently which is very important for developing life skills (Palmer
13).
Now, to step away from applications, another major topic of interest
that involves using technology in special education classrooms is online
courses. A big use for this is shown in the field of mathematics. Every
student has different learning styles and unique needs. Each student needs
to move at slightly different pace, some may advance faster, while other
seem to advance a little slower. In a traditional classroom, this causes a

problem. Students who may need to be challenged more, should either be

moved from the class or adjustments need to be made to challenge them
within the class. On the other hand, there are students who need a little
more individual attention in order for them to understand and succeed when
applying the topic. Online classes can benefit the students in this way. Online
classes are not the best option for all students. Online classes could help
students achieve their goals and succeed at a certain subject, when they
would normally struggle in a traditional classroom. An important fact to note
with all online classes is that a teacher needs to understand the students
well before putting them in an online class. A student who is at the
appropriate content knowledge, comfort with technology, appropriate
reading level, and with strong motivation is more like to succeed in an online
class than other students (Serianni and Coy 106).
The different applications, devices, and other technology related
elements discussed are only some of the programs and technology used in
special education classrooms. As technology advances, more applications
and devices will be invented and improved upon, increasing the help
technology can provide for students with disabilities.

Advantages of Technology in Special Education Classrooms

The advantages of using the different types of technology in special
education classrooms are numerous. Among the advantages is that many
applications help with communication between students and peers, and

between students and teachers. Lacking communication abilities can turn

any child off of education. With the word prediction software, assistive word
processors, augmentative and alternative communication devices, and other
programs and devices, communication can be strong for the students who
would normally struggle to communicate ideas or needs to peers and
teachers.
Some students are simply motivated by the ability to use technology.
Most students are drawn to technology, as the students today are the first of
the digital age. Teachers may see that students become more motivated to
work and learn because they want to use technology. Students may change
from disliking school work, to seeing it as a reward or fun because they get
to incorporate technology.
Technology also allows teachers to reach more students at one time.
Something not discussed, but used in some classrooms, is a clicker system,
where students actively participate in class by answer questions asked at the
board using a clicker with buttons. The teacher receives immediate feedback
and can decide if he or she should move on to the next topic, or if students
need more work on the subject.
In todays society, many adults as well as young adults and teenagers,
do not go a day without using a laptop computer. Most people have smart
phones with email and other work related capabilities. Children who use
technology regularly in the classroom are learning valuable technology skills
that will carry on throughout their lives. Technology skills have become very

marketable skills. Most jobs require some sort of interaction with technology,
therefore it is important for students to have exposure to computers.
Technology can help bridge gaps for students who spend time in both
mainstream classes and special education classrooms. Devices can be used
to take better notes or and programs can be used to record lectures and play
them back later. Students who take online classes are able to learn at their
own pace, rather than rushing through material and not being prepared for
the next lesson. Technology can help individualize learning.
Although there are many other advantages, the last one to be
discussed here is that technology can help build confidence for students. As
students start to become more successful in the classroom, they start to feel
like their other classmates. As confidence builds, students start to become
more and more successful, which is the whole idea of education. Teachers
are supposed to help students become successful and reach their academic
and life goals.

Disadvantages of Using Technology in Education Classrooms

As with everything in life, where there are advantages, there are also
disadvantages. There are disadvantages with using technology in the
classroom. Students may easily become distracted by the technology.

Teachers do not have the ability to monitor every student in the classroom
for every second of the day. This leaves the opportunity for students to be
working on something other than the subject at hand.
Another downfall of technology is that it makes it easy to find answers.
When filling out a worksheet, rather than reading the entire section like what
was assigned, students can simply just search for key words to answer the
questions. This negatively impacts a students ability to study.
With online classes, there is the chance that rather than excelling, a
student may fall even farther behind if they do not have the proper time
management skills and motivation. A big part of implementing technology
into special education classrooms is knowing the students and making sure
to take their strengths and weaknesses into account.
Adding technology to a classroom can be added work for teachers.
There is additional prep time. The teachers need to spend time to find apps,
work with them, and they need to be able to teach them to the students.
Meanwhile some teachers are finding applications for numerous different
students. It can be a very time consuming process.
Funding is also a major limitation for technology in the classroom.
While some of the applications are very reasonable in cost, and money is set
aside for technology purposes, it sometimes isnt enough. Some of the best
programs are some of the most expensive, so cost has a lot to do with what
programs and devices are available to students.

In conclusion, there are numerous opportunities to use technology in

special education classrooms. Students can benefit from a wide variety of
applications. The applications can range from programs that help students
read or write, to online classes, to applications for time management. The
topics discussed barely scratch the surface of all the technologies that can
be useful in special education classrooms. It is important to remember that
while there are good points about bringing technology into the classroom, it
also has its drawbacks. The most imperative point is to know the students
and discern what types of technology is most appropriate and will help them
the most. If this is remembered, the opportunities are endless. With the help
of technology, the gaps in education may be bridged some day in the future.

Bibliography
Hasselbring, Ted S and Candyce H Williams Glaser. "Use of Computer Technology to
Help Students with Special Needs." The Future of Children Fall/Winter 2000:
102-122. Document.
Palmer, Randall. "The Top 10 iPad Apps for Special Education." T.H.E. Journal (2013):
10-13. Document.
Purdue University. The Evolution of Technology in the Classroom. 2015. 21 October
2015.
The Center for Public Education - National School Boards Association. Special
education: A better perspective. 15 October 2009.
<http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org/Main-Menu/Evaluatingperformance/Special-education-At-a-glance/Special-education-A-betterperspective-full-report.html>.