Making Technology Inclusive in my Classroom

Becoming a teacher is one of the most rewarding feelings I believe will happen throughout my life. Along with this reward is the feeling of knowing you are going to change your students' lives in some form or another. As discussed in the previous blog, I do intend to include technology in my classroom. Technology is fun, fast, and extremely useful when teaching children in the 21st century. Although technology can be very helpful in ways such as researching the internet for a project, it can also be used to assist students who are struggling, advanced, or right on target. All classrooms in the 21st century should be inclusive with regards to all their students' ability levels.

As a future teacher, I am well aware that I will have students in my classroom that are either struggling or advanced. Both types of students can benefit from technology. Students who are having trouble with pen and paper may benefit from using the "alphasmart". With this tool, students can type what they want into a mini computer/keyboard and save their work onto a word document and print. This allows students to express their ideas without stressing over the correct way to use a pen and pencil. Students who are advanced may also use the "alphasmart" to help them work on their typing skills. There are many uses to this tool for many different age groups and ability levels.

Another great technological tool that students could benefit from is the "big keys". This tool is an over sized keyboard. It could be used once again for children in higher grades who are having trouble typing on a normal sized keyboard which may be too small for them. It could also be for students in lower grades who want to practice their keyboard skills in a fun manner. This tool can be plugged into any computer and students will love having something designed especially for their small hands.

Finally, one of the most beneficial technological tools I have learned about is the "Tango" or any other touch screen appliances that help children talk, learn words, etc. These devices are made for children who maybe have speech problems and can not form words, for deaf children who can not sign, and for students who simply may just be shy. Tools like the tango include touch screen pictures which you can replace with your own pictures, program any voice, etc. The tango also has a digital camera which can store and print digital photos. Children will not feel ashamed that they may not be able to perform at the same level as their peers, instead they can express themselves openly and also teach their peers about their tool.

To wrap up this blog entry on the use of technology and how to include all your students, I have to say how fun it can be to have these tools in your classroom. Not only are they beneficial to your students, but to you as a teacher as well. Teachers can stop stressing about the child who misspells his words on a keyboard because the keys are too small, and about the child who has a hard time communicating with her peers because she has a speech problem. Technology is there to help us, our students, and their families better communicate with one another.