Ashley+Nicole+Maddox

Ashley Nicole Maddox FNDS 6170: Dr. J. Alexander Fall 2009 Research and Teachnology Project **

We are living in a society that is becoming increasingly dependent on technology. Technology has aided in making the world a smaller place. People are now able to experience different cultures without ever leaving the comfort of home. Technology has also made a great impact in other areas such as health care and transporation. I believe that education in now playing "catch up" with students. Students are aware of new technologies, but some school systems and teachers are not quite on their level. Students are living in an technology driven society, and teachers should be using technology to help gain and keep students interest. When I was in school, the most "high-tech" item in the room was a computer. Today, teachers can be found using iPods, Elmos, Promethean Boards, and projectors in the classrooms. When teachers are learning and exploring the new ways to make their classrooms more fun with the use of technology, they also need to be reminded on how they can meet the developmental needs of each student within their classroom.

Below, I have compiled a desciptive list of new and emerging technologies that would be excellent additions to my classroom. I teach a preschool through second grade class for students with severe and profound needs. I have also included evidence in educational psychology theories that credits the use of such technologies for the benefits of students with disabilities. The following new and emerging technologies include:


 * 1) Mac OS X
 * 2) DynaVox Xpress
 * 3) Writing with Symbols
 * 4) Adaptive Photography
 * 5) MYTOBII P10
 * 6) Tongue Drive System

__ Mac OS X __



Pink (2006) stated that students need to be actively engaged in learning. In otherwords, they must interact in order to learn. The Mac OS X allows for students with disabilties to interact in the learning process. The new Mac operating system is universally designed. This operating system allows for students with physical disabilites, hearing impairment, visual impairments, and learning disabilties. It is enabled with features such as text-to-speech and word completion functions for students with reading and writing difficulties. It also allows students with fine motor difficulties to use the system independently by being equipped with and adaptive mouse and keyboard. Students with hearing impairments are able to use the internet-based sign language device.

(2009). //Education//. Retrieved from http://www.apple.com/education/special-education/?cp=WWA-EDUSEM-Q409 Pink, D. H. (2006). //A whole new mind: Why right-brainers will rule the future.// New York: Berkley Publishing Group

__ DynaVox Xpress __



Many students with disabilities have difficulties with communication which leads to little social interaction. Piaget believed that cognitive development is influenced by a person's social experiences. The DynaVox Xpress is an augmentative communication device that allows students, especially ones who are non-verbal, to communicate verbally with ease and lack of frustration. The DynaVox Xpress is a handheld and portable communication device. This device can be stored discreetly and allows students to express meaningful messages and connect with family and friends via wireless internet capabilities. A student with a disabilty that is equipped with this device would be more apt to engage in social interaction. This device could be used in my classroom to give students who are non-verbal the opportunity to join in class discussions and activities. For example, my students would not be limited to clapping along when we sing the months of the year anymore. With this device they would be able to "sing" along with the other students by simply pressing the correct button on the screen.

(2009). //Xpress//. Retrieved from http://www.dynavoxtech.com/products/xpress/

Pink, D. (2006). //A whole new mind: Why right-brainers will rule the future.// New York: Berkley Publishing Group

__ Writing with Symbols __



Windschitl believed that it is necessary to provide students with information resources as well as tools that are necessary to mediate learning. Students with disabilities need several tools in order to create meaningful learningn experiences. Writing with Symbols is one tool in which students are able to use to mediate their learning. Writing with Symbols is a computer based program that adds pictures to typed words in order to make the text "friendly" for students with special needs. While not all students will be able to read the sentences, they may be able to follow the pictures in order to understand the text. In my classroom, this could be used to write directions on assignments. Using this simple program could enable students to become more independent and "in control" of their own learning. This could also be used to make recipes for students that are easy to follow. A main goal in my classroom is to help children become as independent as they can become. If a student could read and follow a recipe for making eggs made with the Writing with Symbols program, he or she could learn valuable life skills.

(2009). Writing with symbols. Retrieved from http://store.mayer-johnson.com/us/writing-with-symbols.html.

Woolfolk, A.E. (Ed.). (2010). //Educational psychology//. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Merrill.

__ Adaptive Photography Products __



Vygotsky's theories are deeply rooted in his belief that human activities take place in cultural settings and meaningful learning happens when students are engaged in social processes. In the past, students with disabilities were not able to become involved in extracurricular activities due to their physical limitations; therefore they lacked social interactions. According to Vygotsky's theory, these students would not be able to create such meaningful learning without the support of much needed social processes. Students with disabilities are now able to become more involved in school activities, such as yearbook and art, with devices such as adaptive photography. Cameras are now being equipped with switches that allow students with fine motor problems to easily operate digital cameras. Even though I teach in the early childhood setting, this device could be used to allow my students to become involved in activities in which we paste pictures of items that match the concept in which we are studying. The adapted camera would allow my students the opportunity to interact with others and take their own pictures for the assignment instead of choosing the correct pictures from a stack of pre-selected photos.

(2008, September 1). //Adaptive photography products//. Retrieved from http://www.orcca.com/photo.htm#Switch_Adapted_Pan_and_Tilt_Systems

Woolfolk, A.E. (Ed.). (2010). //Educational psychology//. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Merrill.

__ MYTOBII P10 __

The zone of proximal development included materials that are at the "just right" level and the level at which teachers should teach. Learning occurs in the zone of proximal development, not in areas that are too difficult or too easy for students. According to this learning theory, teachers should provide support, but not too much support to students in the zone of proximal development. Many times students with disabilties require a lot of support to help them overcome their physical limitations. MyTobii P10 is a portable eye-controlled communication device. Everything, including a 15” screen, eye control device and computer, is integrated into one unit. It becomes operable when connected to a power source, such as a wall socket, power wheelchair or separate battery. The device can be mounted for use at a desk, on a wheelchair, in a bed or anywhere suitable for the user. This could be a wonderful addition to my classroom. With this device, my students would be able to complete their assignments with support, but more discrete support. This communication device would allow my students to become more independent with their communication. They would be able to operate it on their own, and would be able to appear more like their typical developing peers.

(2008). //Mytobii p10//. Retrieved from http://www.tobii.com/assistive_technology/products/mytobii_p10.aspx

Woolfolk, A.E. (Ed.). (2010). //Educational psychology//. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Merrill.

__ Tongue Drive System __



Edward Deci's self-motivation theory is based upon the concept that people make decisions on their own free will with full sense of choice. For many years, students with significant disabilities were not allowed to make any choices on their own. With changing times, this too is changing. People with disabilities are now able to take a more active role in their daily lives. New technologies are helping people with disabilities to pursure this free will. The tongue drive system is a device that allows a person with severe physical impairments to control electronic devices, such as wheelchairs and computers, by moving their tongue. A small magnet is applied to the tongue with adhesive which allows the person to connect with the electronic device. This device would be a great addition for my students in wheelchairs. This would allow them to become increasingly independent by giving them the freedom to move about the classroom and school by themselves. As it is now, these students cannot move their wheelchairs by themselves due to limited physical capabilities.

Vogel, A. (2008, June 30). Magnetic control: Tongue drive system allows individuals with disabilities to operate powered wheelchairs and computers. //Georgia Research Tech News//, Retrieved from http://gtresearchnews.gatech.edu/newsrelease/tongue-drive.htm

Woolfolk, A.E. (Ed.). (2010). //Educational psychology//. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Merrill.