Journal 4: One Size Never Fits All

Courduff, J. (2011). One size never fits all. Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx


NETS-T 1, 2


This article discusses integrating technology into special education. I personally have experience working with those with special needs, therefore; this article was inspiring to me. One particular school district looked for ways to improve this technology gap they had between general education classes and special education classes. They implemented a technology support program for teachers to help students with special needs through using existing technological resources into instructional practices. The results were successful and students were meet their IEP goals more quickly. Although, it is not an easy or quick task for teachers to transition from knowing how to use technology to actually integrating it into learning tasks. This particular program has three tiers (not years because that isn't enough time), a lot focuses on online collaboration. 


1.) What are some ways technology supports students with special needs?
Many success stories are written about in this article. A few examples are children who have trouble organizing thoughts and putting those thoughts into words. Because of these struggles a child has makes them not motivated at all to write. Programs like speech to text in MS Word, word prediction and text to speech programs have changed the attitudes of otherwise unmotivated to enthusiastic about using the computer to "write" or tell stories. The article states this has proven to encourage students to read and write daily which then improves grades and scores.


2.) Can this be done in other districts?
Yes, I believe it can. A school district does not need a ton of money to implement a similar program like this, all they need is teachers who are willingly to learn and who care. Teachers who are willingly to put in some extra time to improve the success of their students. Taking this technology class alone I have realized how much FREE online resources are available and they are not hard to find. Having teachers participate in online collaboration through already established personal learning networks is key to this concern. It will definitely take some time but with support and resources I believe districts can well be on their way to integrating technology into special education.