2000;10:102-122.

Use the computer technology to help students with special needs.

Future of Children

Hasselbring T.S., Williams Glaser C.H.

UIID-AC: 60

Abstract

Millions of students across the United States cannot benefit from a traditional educational program because they have a disability that impairs their ability to participate in typical classroom environment. For these students, computer-based technologies can play an especially important role. Not only can computer technology facilitate a broader range of educational activities to meet a variety of needs for students with mild learning disorders, but also adaptive technology now exist that can enable even those students with severe disabilities to become active learners in the classroom alongside their peers who do not have disabilities. This article provides an overview of the role computer technology can play in promoting the education of children with special needs within the regular classroom. For example, use of computer technology for word processing, communication, research, and multimedia projects can help the three million students with specific learning and emotional disorders keep up the their nondisabled peers. Computer technology has also enhanced the development of sophisticated devices that can assist the two million students with more severe disabilities in overcoming a wide range of limitations that hinder classroom participation - from speech and hearing impairments to blindness and severe physical disabilities. However, many teachers are not adequately trained on how to use technology effectively in their classroom, and the cost of the technology in potential to act as an equalizer by freeing many students from their disabilities, the barriers of inadequate training and cost must first be overcome before widespread use can become a reality.

Publication Types

• Review