Article #11 Inclusion for Special Populations

Ng-Chin, E. (December 1, 2004) Inclusion for Special Populations Retrieved from: http://www.techlearning.com/article/3202

Summary:

                This is an article that explains how online classes and technology can used to increase inclusion of special needs students into mainstream classrooms. For blind students, many computers can be outfitted with Braille keyboards, a voice synthesizer that translates digital text into audio, and/or a screen reader that reads the screen to the user. These innovations allow blind students to converse with the class in a functionally normal way. Hearing impaired students might seem like they need no major accommodations, but many applications in the computer environment are audio and visually driven. For this reason, many computers are being outfitted with a subtitling or captioning capability, allowing students to participate fully in the class without their impairment becoming an insurmountable obstacle. For physically disabled students, computers can be designed with touch screens, larger mice, joysticks, trackball switchboxes, and/or voice input boxes. The online class has been immensely important for the medically frail, who may not be able to leave their homes due to medical equipment needs, nursing needs, or adequate transportation. The ability to participate in a learning community through online courses has broken many barriers to education and communication for them, giving them a means of escaping prejudice based on physical appearances and providing an avenue for their ideas and a connection to a larger community.

Response:

                This is the pinnacle of how technology should be used in education. If we can give students a chance to learn who previously did not have the opportunity, we should make it a priority. As future educators, many of us will have students with special needs in our classrooms and it’s a good idea to become acquainted with the equipment and technology they will require to be successful and make a smooth transition (or hopefully a continuance) into the classroom. Many special needs students do not belong in the typical special education classroom because they are in no way behind their peers intellectually. A physical disability can always be accommodated for; I’m a believer in the old adage: “if there’s a will, there’s a way.” The online class is a great idea because it allows students with medical conditions or other barriers to participate fully, remain anonymous as far as physical appearances, and interact with others. I think in many ways the social aspect of online courses and discussions is just as important as the intellectual side in allowing them to participate in a community without others’ prejudices or their own medical needs serving as a barrier to the interactions that all people need to grow.