Assistive Technology

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Assistive technology is stated as “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially or whether off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of people with disabilities" (Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988). Careful consideration of AT intends to reduce or eliminate the effects a disability can have, but also to help every student engage in the learning experience by actively participating in activities.

Below are two Assistive Technologies (AT's) that I currently use in my classroom, and two that I would like to try out in PE and Health classes, together with an explanation of their benefits from my perspective. It is important to remember that an AT can be low tech and can be simple modifications we as teachers make to ensure all students receive help to ensure they can learn effectively within the environment we create, as well as high tech, expensive aids.

Current Assistive Technologies

1. Standing desks

My students love the fact they are active in my class. As Grade 9’s they often feel the academic pressure of moving into the High School. PE offers a chance for them to “be kids” again, playing, running around the sports hall while learning. Health on the other hand takes place in more structured environment of the classroom. A number of students find this challenging; therefor I organize my classroom with numerous standing desks. This means there is always a chance to move, stretch and not feel limited by sitting stationary. A recent research study from the Texas A&M School of Public Healthfound numerous benefits of standing desks. "Not only does the research show a dramatic increase in concentration, but that's what our own teachers at our school have reported as well. Kids are way more attentive at a standing desk." This interestin g article describes one schools journey to becoming a chair free school! The students associate my class with activity; therefor I facilitate Health classes by giving them the option to move more, making them active as well as benefiting their concentration levels. .

2. Fitness recording via IPad/MacBook

We are very fortunate to have 1 to 1 laptop program as well as access to class sets of IPads at the American School of the Hague. As a result I have used AT to allow my students to take responsibility for how they display their work within the Fitness component of their Grade 9 PE program. IPad/MacBook also give them endless access to valuable information to support their participation and encourage collaboration in groups. I encourage students to use a medium that they enjoy using. Providing them with guidelines ensures they complete the task, but allows them the flexibility in how they present the information. Some will draw, write, type, video themselves, or download fitness apps to support their activities.

Wish List – Future AT’s?

1. Dartfish Express

My first request would be to implement an app called Dartfish Express within lessons. This app is available for IPads and IPhones, therefor is accessible to my students and I. This app is an easy way to “instruct, learn and communicate” by analyzing movement, as their introductory video states. Students have the ability to film their peers and use biomechanics principles to provide feedback to each other.

This firstly encourages non-participants to actively engage in lessons, allows less practically able students to share knowledge (that they may not be able to perform), and encourages students to understand movement accurately. In addition, I believe this not only encourages access to areas in the curriculum, but also increases engagement in the subject.

2. Student Website

My second AT that I believe would be useful and of benefit to my students would be use of student websites. Using a personally organized websites allows students to develop the use of technology, with cross-curricular links in IT. This could be a method to share information with me as a method of assessment. It is important for all students, especially those with disabilities to be able to show their knowledge in other ways than practical performance. From listening to students who already use websites in different subjects, they find it more efficient and easier to access. .

In addition, please see the link below for further information on how assistive technology can help students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) communicate, access the curriculum and help them carry out everyday tasks we might take for granted.