Gray, R.

Adaptive and Assistive Technology

Reflection
3.4 Adaptive and Assistive Technology
Candidates facilitate the use of adaptive and assistive technologies to support individual
student learning needs.

In the ITEC 7445 Multimedia and Web Design course, I developed an Assistive
Technology Implementation Plan for a student with a learning disability. The goals and
objectives of his IEP were to increase his Language Writing and Reading Comprehension as
well as modify his classroom behavior. Therefore, my Assistive Technology Implementation
Plan included using digital storytelling to aid him in increase literacy and comprehension skills,
and to aid him in improving his classroom behavior.
My Assistive Technology Implementation Plan artifact demonstrates my ability to
facilitate the use of adaptive and assistive technologies to support individual student learning
needs by allowing my student to master the standard using digital resources and giving him a
choice and a voice in the learning process. According to Toshalis & Nakkula (2012), when
educators give students a choice, student motivation and academic achievement increases and
negative behaviors decrease. Therefore, to meet the goals in his IEP, I gave him the option of
completing assignments through the use of digital storytelling or through performance on stage.
To aid him in creating these digital stories, I modeled and facilitated the proper use of
technology and provided one-on-one training on how to use PowerPoint, Windows Movie
Maker, & Audacity. As a result of allowing this student to complete his assignment using
Assistive Technology, I saw a vast improvement in his behavior and his comprehension of the
lesson. Instead of being confined to a desk, he was allowed to move freely in order to complete
his assignments. This resulted in a vast improvement in his behavior towards others.

Gray, R.
Adaptive and Assistive Technology
Reflection
As a result of this artifact, I now believe Assistive Technology can accommodate the
individual needs of students and aid them in learning despite their disabilities. I learned that it
can be beneficial in with disabilities. When Assistive Technology is implemented effectively, it
can increase academic achievement and influence positive behaviors. If I could change this
artifact, I would change my viewpoints at the beginning of implementation. In the beginning, I
did not feel the student would take the assignment seriously. However, I noticed a positive
increase in comprehension, attendance, and behavior. Since implementing this artifact, I have
learned to be confident in my students abilities. When Assistive Technology is effectively
implemented it accommodates students needs, thus allowing them to rise to the challenge.
This artifact can impact student learning and faculty development because Assistive
Technology accommodates students. Its also keeps students actively engaged in learning, thus
decreasing student infractions. The impact of this artifact can be assessed through observation
and data from various assessments.

Gray, R.
Adaptive and Assistive Technology
Reflection
References
.
Toshalis, E., & Nakkula, M. J. (2012). Motivation, engagement, and student voice (pp. 1-50,
Publication). Boston, MA: Jobs for the Future.