The purpose of technology in an inclusive classroom

As a teacher, I feel that technology plays a huge role in the classroom. Every student that is in a classroom is going to have different strengths and different weaknesses and there is no way that a teacher can be an effective educator without the use of technological aides. These assistive techniques and items give children a level playing field and allow students who previously were on the fringe of the classroom to actively participate. Technological items such as a pencil grip, fraction bars, Tango, and Alpha Smart are but a small core group of items that make teaching more effective and allow students to work on their weaknesses, as well as giving students with learning difficulties the ability to succeed.

In any single classroom, there will always be a child that needs more help than others. Assistive techniques allow children who are struggling to work at their own pace. For example, the Tango program gives children who have trouble with language a chance to work on voice inflections, vocabulary, and pronunciation. The students who use this do not have to deal with the pressure that comes from trying to keep up with the class but can take their time and truly learn the concepts. These forms of technology allow the children to set the pace, giving them the time and practice that a teacher sometimes cannot supply. Computer software programs do the same thing. These technological aides have access to limitless computer software programs that teach lessons in a fun, interactive way that children love. Anyone can use these, which is perfect in the classroom. The more advanced students simply move on to the more difficult things while the students who struggle can move a slower pace. Therefore, even the more advanced students can be challenged when using these programs because these programs are individualized and have many levels. There are also many simple tools that I can use in my classroom such as pencil grips, which help children develop fine motor skills,word processing, for children who have trouble writing, or audio books, for children who have trouble reading. These assistive techniques open doors that were previously closed to teachers because, with these new advances, teachers can engage their students and make lessons more interactive and exciting. They teach children who have disabilities but can also be used to challenge the more advanced children, making sure that they stay busy and engaged.

As a teacher, I feel that these tools are important. I know that there will be times that children will need more practice with a concept or skill. By introducing these aides to the children, I will have more time to help individuals and will be able to give the students that are struggling a little more practice and instruction. By using the aides, all of my children can participate and feel good about themselves. Even children who have disabilities will be able to succeed. Devices such as Tango allow children to develop their communication and language skills that they need in a fun, interactive way. By using these devices, children will gain self-confidence and will be more eager to participate because there will be no fear of failure. My students will succeed and hopefully, due to the tools that I used, such as the aides, and my teaching abilities, they will be able to appreciate learning and will enjoy school!