22 Apr Consider that learning disabilities can be mild to severe, but there is no doubt that learning is hindered when appropriate measures are not taken

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8083 Module 5 Assignment 1: Blog:

Assessing for Development, Emerging Knowledge, Intervention, and Modification: Using Assistive Technology

Consider that learning disabilities can be mild to severe, but there is no doubt that learning is hindered when appropriate measures are not taken to support learning. As technology improves, so does instruction and support for learners via technology, including assistive technology.

The rapid increase in use of technology in learning environments for enrichment, support, and remediation is staggering. Educators are sometimes at a loss as to which are best, and often the information on applications may be missing, or worse, misleading. How do educators decide what is best for their students? In this Assignment, you will have the opportunity to examine two supportive technologies and two assistive technologies that you might consider using in your own learning environment.

To prepare:

· Review the Learning Resources of this module.

· Then, research assistive technology and how it can be used in the learning environment.

· Use the Nielsen article from the required readings and research on your own to identify two assistive technologies and two supportive applications for early childhood that could be used in the learning environment.

Assignment Task Part 1

Post the following in your Blog:

· Write a 1page brief introduction on the importance of modifying and using assistive/supportive technology.

· Based on the two assistive and supportive technologies you have identified, explain the areas (i.e., development or content knowledge) the technology can be used for, the age of the student it is appropriate for, and what it does to support learning.

· Note if the assistive technology is culturally responsive. Explain why or why not. How would you determine if these assessments were effective?

· Finally, note any issues that the use of the technology might have.

Note:  Cite your research and provide appropriate references in APA.

Post this summary to your blog.

Assignment Task Part 2

Review your colleagues’ blogs.

Respond to two  of your colleagues in100 words response each whose blogs contain information different from yours.

See if you can determine an additional use for the technology chosen by your colleagues. Explain what this is and how it could be used in the learning environment.

Note if you agree or disagree on the appropriateness of the technology (age, use, etc.) and explain why. Feel free to ask questions of your colleagues to verify.

Return to your own posts and answer questions or respond when necessary.

Submission and Grading Information

To complete this Assignment, do the following:

· Paste your blog post as a new entry in the Module 5 Assignment 1 blog.

· Important Note: Read through your peers’ blogs, note any resources that might inform your current and/or future early childhood practice and areas of possible research, as well as provide comments to your peers on their blogs.

· Submit your blog post in a Word document to the Module 5 Assignment 1 submission link for Instructor feedback.