Assistive Technology and Math:Key Questions Considered when Selecting Educational Applications

My blog is quickly coming to a close. I have discussed many different subjects, from UDL to specific assistive technologies used in the classroom, to aid educators in the classroom to better support their students. My last couple blogs will focus on assistive technology and math developing from the previous blogs on assistive technology on writing and reading.

Key Questions Considered when Selecting Educational Applications

When choosing educational applications, it is imperative educators select one best suited for students needs. Students must be matched to a particular application and not the other way around. The application should not be chosen first and then the students' needs are forced to fit with the application. This backwards mindset benefits no one and no educator should use this method to select the most beneficial educational application to support students' needs. To assist in making the best selection of educational applications to help meet students' goals and objectives, educators should consider these three questions:

1. What is the intended outcome of the use of the educational application?

Teachers should select educational applications with specific outcomes in mind. Some applications may cover a broad topic of math while others are very specific and teachers must be able to demonstrate how the educational application will assist their students in reaching their math goals. The outcome must specifically match with students goals and objectives.

 

2. Is the educational application likely to fulfill its stated purpose?

 To help us understand this question, I will use a direct example from my textbook in the Assisstive Technology class I explanatory feedback needed to do so or simple assess whether or not problems are solved correctly?" (Dell, Newton, and Petroff, 2012). The educational application should offer students a way to learn the intended skill and not only assess their work. Students need to have the opportunity to learn from their mistakes as it helps them perform better in the future.am  writing the blog. "If the stated purpose of the activity is to build problem solving skills, does it provide the

 

3. Can the educational applications be used as an alternative to traditional classroom activities to enhance students' participation?

Students may use the educational application in place of the tradition classroom activity but they must learn using the application as effectively. This question is extremely important to consider because as educators we need to determine beforehand that the educational application serves a determined purpose and we are not just using it for the sake of saying we use it. It is easy to become excited about new applications being created but it is our job as educators to make sure our students are learning as much with the use of it.  

 

 These are the key questions to consider when selecting educational applications. I hope you have learned as much as I have, Until Next Time!

Please view the video for ideas on math applications for our students.

  Reference: 

Dell, A.G., Newton, D.A, & Petroff, J.G. (2012). Assistive Technology in the Classroom. Boston: PEARSON.