Describe the advantages of assistive technology and problems associated with teachers' use of the internet and interactive software programs. Include 3 examples of how students use technology to access print materials and create products in the general curriculum

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Assistive technology gives students with visual impairments access to many forms of print and visual materials. Today, there are many devices that make access to the general education curriculum much easier. Many students use combinations of these technologies and devices. [Student responses will include 3 examples from Figure 15.7, using technology to assure progress in the general curriculum.] As long as data remains print-based, students with visual impairments will have tremendous opportunities to access data; however, the technological revolution has brought with it the problem of heavily-graphics-based programs and internet resources. Teachers are currently being encouraged or required to utilize interactive whiteboards, video streaming, and other graphics-based materials in their classrooms. Vast amounts of these materials are not accessible to students with visual impairments, even when presented with audio descriptions. Therefore, it is essential that teachers with students who have visual impairments in their classrooms remain flexible and use interesting materials that are accessible to all students