“Hit and Happen” Assistive Technology: Simple and Effective Authoring Options for Teachers of Exceptional Children
Abstract: The possibilities of assistive technology are numerous, and a key function is the ability of AT to open the door for exceptional children to the world of the general education curriculum. Schooling practices like inclusion and the involvement of classroom teachers in Individualized Education Plans (IEP) underscore the importance of educating teachers on thinking creatively about assistive technology and in creating customized activities. Despite hurdles related to teacher comfort with authoring software, special education teachers in a ‘Critical Issues in Education’ course were highly motivated and successful in creating a series of customized lessons that expand the learning opportunities for students with a variety of disabilities. This paper presents the process of teacher training, time frame and samples of teacher work.
Presider: Pamela Whitehouse, Midwestern State University