Role of Assistive Technology in Education- an Overview

I can undoubtedly claim that Assistive technology has transformed the teaching methodology of educators like me, thus making learning more accessible, engaging and inclusive for all students. Like many educators around the globe, I too have experienced the unimaginable potential of AT during the pandemic. Not just educators, the society is benefiting immensely from AT. The daily scenes of deferentially abled individuals in public places using AT’s like self-operated electric wheel chairs with ease and comfort is indeed heartwarming.  Despite all these benefits of AT, there are some challenges and limitations that need to be addressed.

All of us are aware of platforms like Zoom and Google Meet that became invaluable tools for online classes. These platforms don’t limit participation being online, in turn, it enables real-time interaction, allows to share presentations and organize structured online sessions. When I tried to integrate Google Suite into my teaching methodology, I found that it streamlined the whole process. Students could build on their digital literacy skills by creating PowerPoint presentations or using Word and PDF s to organize their work.

I have found that using visual aids like smart-boards and overhead projectors with interactive features not only capture student’s attention but also makes lessons more dynamic and engaging. I often encourage students to watch You Tube videos on specific topics as visual explanations are better retained enhancing understanding and engagement. Educators can provide creative worksheets and exercises that align with academic topics to students through online educational platforms, ensuring effective learning experiences.

The video on The History of Assistive Technology shows the evolution of AT from need based individual inventions like Braille to law and rights-based interventions that prioritize accessibility and inclusion in the society. The history of AT reminds us its importance in every era and the significance of integrating it into our societies. AT’s role in making learning inclusive for students with diverse needs in reinforced in the article “What are the Key Benefits of Assistive Technology?”. It also unveils how AT tools foster independence and personalized learning experiences when used effectively.

The challenges when it comes to effective integration of AT is often varied perceptions, limited training and technical proficiency among educators. This can be seen well explained in the article “Understanding Teacher Perceptions of Assistive Technology”. On a personal level, while AT has greatly influenced my teaching practice, I must admit that the challenges remain. The high cost of these can be a vital drawback. Additionally, students and teachers using AT require consistent training and support. Overall as educators we must adopt the Universal Design of Learning methodology that highly supports the use of AT to enhance education for everyone.